Wicomico County Veterans Memorial 2008 in pictures and text

May 31, 2008

Normally we've had this event on Memorial Day itself, but this year it was decided to hold this event closer to the "true" Memorial Day date of May 30th. So it was a humid morning that greeted those of us who took time to honor our fallen today.

Most of this story will be told through the pictures I use, so just hover over the picture for the accompanying caption.

This low wall is part of the Wicomico County War Veterans Memorial, where this event has been held annually since 2003.

There was plenty of water on hand for anyone who needed it. In the next picture I'll explain why it was useful.

Standing at attention, the Wicomico High School JROTC helped with the ceremony. One of the young men was overcome by the heat and humidity, but fortunately nothing too serious.

Part of the crowd that was there took advantage of the shade provided by this tent.

The ceremony itself is relatively brief, this year's rendition lasted but 30 minutes. Pictured below is master of ceremonies Anthony Sarbanes, an Army veteran.

Anthony Sarbanes took care of moving the program along. Seated to his left in my picture is the Reverend J. Harvey Dixon, who did the Invocation and Benediction.

The next several photos are of some of the event participants and what their function was. It's pretty much been the same program for the four years I've been to the event, but tradition is good in this case. One thing that I unfortunately omitted for the sake of length is the photos of those who come to the podium and do each service's prayers - but they should be recognized. Participating were Kenny Ralph, Rachael Willey, Annette Skelton, Russell Franklin, Lavaughn Price, and Pete Layfield.

John Lynch is the man who tolls this bell to begin the recital of Wicomico County's fallen for each war, beginning with World War I.

Ed Tattersall compiled the names of the 187 fallen soldiers with roots in Wicomico County and reads the list each year. Fortunately this year no names were added to the list.

Matthew Wallace is the bagpiper who played 'Amazing Grace'. The song sounds much more mournful when done with bagpipes.

Another tradition is the volley of arms. While it's not a 21-gun salute, these gentlemen did a fine job.

Speaking of sad songs, it was a duo who played 'Taps', Randolph Dashields and John Jochum.

Before I finish, I have one observation. You'll notice that a lot of those who were pictured had at least a touch of gray on them. In fact, one picture I took but didn't use was of a pair of paratransit buses, the use of which was donated for the event so veterans who were among the population now residing in nursing homes could be present. While there were a few of my age or younger, the attendees appeared to be veterans of the Vietnam era or earlier.

While we try to honor those who are now or have recently served in the military because of the utter shame we hold about our nation's treatment of those returning from Vietnam, it would be great to see the younger veterans step up and participate more in these sorts of events - and maybe they are beginning to behind the scenes.

To close, I'll use this picture with the flags at the Wicomico County War Veterans Memorial flying at half-staff.

After the ceremony was finished, the flags remained at half-staff. I believe the protocol is to maintain them there until noon.

Wicomico County Veterans Memorial 2008 in pictures and text

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