Ocean City Salutes Those Who Served

By LISA SPENGLER What is it like to be in the presence of our country’s greatest heroes from World War II, Vietnam and Afghanistan on Veterans Day? It is a reminder that we should never forget America’s history. It is a reminder that our gratitude and respect for our veterans must endure forever. It is a reminder to thank a veteran every day for their service. On Thursday, Ocean City’s Veterans Day ceremony was held at Veterans Memorial Park near the Ocean City Tabernacle at Fifth Street and Wesley Avenue. Over 100 community members, military families, friends and, most importantly, our nation’s veterans, joined together under beautiful sunny skies in spring-like weather. Veterans Day is a day to honor all who have served in the U.S. military. Our greatest challenge in these difficult days is to remember this country’s history and to never forget the challenges and the sacrifices made by all the men and women of the military, speakers emphasized during the ceremony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npybVqUBfTs The ceremony took place at 11 a.m., which is significant to the date and time of all Veterans Day ceremonies throughout the country. Veterans Day is always on November 11. In 1918, the fighting in World War I ended with an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month -- November 11 at 11 a.m. Among those in attendance were Mayor Jay Gillian, members of Ocean City Council, including President Bob Barr and Vice President Tom Rotondi. Mike Morrissey, commander of VFW Post 6650, and Bob Marzulli, commander of American Legion Post 524, were also in attendance. Emotions ranging from somber to joyful were captured from the start of the program with the invocation by Pat Cummings, chaplain of American Legion Post 524, the presentation of the colors by Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Dahl, and the beautiful singing of the National Anthem by Natalie Ragazzo. Eleanor and Joe Pratt are honored with front row seats. Joe Pratt served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Attendees were led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance by Bud O’Donnell, senior vice commander of American Legion Post 524. In a sign of respect for our country and veterans, the crowd of more than 100 people stood, sang and saluted during the National Anthem. Then they watched in silence while Jim Bowman, VFW Post 6650, and Bob Buker, former vice commander of American Legion Post 524, laid a tribute wreath at the foot of the Veterans Park memorial. The mayor opened his remarks on the significance of history in education. “Education has to be taught, not lost,” Gillian said. “Instead of the social media telling us what’s important, people in the audience today need to be telling what’s important.” Gillian referenced the powerful lyrics from the Lee Greenwood song, “And I'm proud to be an American -- Where at least I know I'm free -- And I won't forget the men who died -- Who gave that right to me.” Ocean City resident Dick Waddell, a Vietnam veteran, described the day as “bittersweet.” Waddell said he comes to the ceremony every year out of respect for those who never returned home. You could feel his emotion as he said, “I remember my lieutenant who I saw in the morning and then that night the only part that came back was his helmet and rifle. The helmet had a bullet in it.” Vietnam veteran Dick Waddell attends the ceremony every year in remembrance of those who never returned home. The Armed Forces Melody, also known as the Armed Services Salute, is a collection of the official marches/songs of the branches of the United States Armed Services: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force. As the music played, the veterans were instructed to stand when their branch song was played. It was a recognition and show of camaraderie. It was a tribute to all branches of service and a way for all those in attendance to applaud them for their service. Brothers Henry and Walter Szezurek, both U.S. Navy veterans, were part of the large contingent of veterans who came to the ceremony. Walter served from 1951-1955, while Henry served from 1960-1966. Peggy Fleming, from Medford, N.J., came to watch her grandson, Leo Vanderschuere, who was one of five Ocean City Primary School students who took part in the reading of Veteran’s Poem. “I have a special relationship with the military,” Fleming said. Her son-in-law is an Air Force veteran who was injured in Iraq. He now works for the Veteran’s Administration in Newark, N.J. Joe Pratt and his wife Eleanor of 53 years, were high school sweethearts when he was called to service. Pratt served with the 101st Airborne and 173rd Airborne Special Forces. He was an instructor at Ft. Benning, Ga., and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. The pride for his military credits was evident, but no more than his sharing that he is a double-lung transplant survivor of eight years. Brothers Henry and Walter Szezurek, members of American Legion Post 524, are part of the contingent of veterans honored for their service. Francis McCormac, a World War II Veteran who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, will soon be turning 101. An Ocean City resident, McCormac was joined in the audience with his daughter, Pat. McCormac said that he was thankful for the beautiful day and for the sun shining down on all the veterans. With members of the Ocean City Fire and Police Departments overseeing the flag raised from the ladder truck, keynote speaker Mike Morrissey, commander of VFW Post 6650, began his comments by thanking the men and women of the departments for their service. “Thank you for what you do every day to keep your families and our community safe,” Morrissey said. His message then moved to remind everyone that our service members take an oath that never expires. “You are called a veteran for the rest of your life,” he said. “We need to continue to thank our veterans for their service every day. It will improve their day and your day as well.” Post 524 Commander, Bob Marzulli recognized the dedication of military wives and children and reminded all veterans and their families of the veterans' organizations that have numerous services and outreach available to them. “Our country needs our veterans. Without our veterans, America would not be America,” Marzulli said. “We need to serve our veterans as they have done for us.” Marzulli spoke of the homelessness, suicide rate and neglect of veterans in this country. “Yesterday, they wore shiny metals. Today they are in tatters.” he said. “The public cannot forget them after their service.” Fire and police stand watch as the flag is raised. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City resident Wayne Hartford) Ocean City's veterans were certainly not forgotten Thursday. The outpouring of support and love by the community was overwhelming. The ceremony closed with the benediction by Ed Ferraro, chaplain of VFW Post 6650, and the singing of God Bless America by Ragazzo. What is it like to be in the presence of our country’s greatest heroes from World War II, Vietnam and Afghanistan on Veterans Day? There are no words. It is an indescribable feeling, one that should inspire everyone to always remember to thank a veteran for their service. Editor’s note: The author’s son, Thomas J. Spengler, Jr., is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and his fiancée, Amanda Flaningam, is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.