It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you on this commemoration of Veterans Day here in Lake Worth. Father Delvard, thank you for such an inspiring benediction. Mayor Triolo and the commissioners, thank you for your continued support of this parade, and to Juan Ruiz, all the city employees, the police and fire personnel who have worked so hard to put together this magnificent celebration, a most hearty round of applause.
As a former teacher, I can’t help but insert a quick history lesson here, so please bear with me. Celebrations like this began in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson initiated this salute to honor all those who served in the Armed Forces, calling it Armistice Day. In 1954, Congress renamed it Veterans Day. This holiday is also observed in our Allied countries, most notably in the British Empire as Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day. Wreaths are laid, parades are held, and the old timers especially tell tales that grow taller each year. Unfortunately, their ranks grow thinner each year. History, to me, is more than just a plaque or a monument, it is living. So, today, let’s celebrate that history.
Last year’s Grand Marshal, General Albin Irzyk, a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart, among other decorations, commanded the 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division in General Patton’s 3rd Army. He and his most gracious lady, Evelyn, offer their regrets for not attending but send their most sincere wishes for many more fine days like this. And these same heartfelt wishes go out to all veterans.
Lake Worth’s American Legion Post 47 is full of pride to have as its commander, Herm Apol, a Navy veteran of both WW2 and Korea. Herm!
Dean Dudgeon climbed the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day and trekked across France to take part in the Battle of the Bulge. Fern Violette says he was never colder in his life.Battle of the Bulge Association members are present today, a lot nicer weather, huh?
Bob Perry, a local lad then, is now in his 90’s.George Morin is unable to be here with us today and we miss him.I particularly miss Frank Smith, a Silver Star winner on Guadalcanal.
So, teacher mode again, who are the other WW2 vets here? Please raise your hands to be recognized and thanked.
To our fellow American Legion and VFW Post members, welcome and thank you. Knights of Columbus, I know there are veterans in your ranks, and thank you for your presentation of the miniature flags we see all around.
Does it seem that I use the words “Thank You” quite often. None of us can ever say that enough.
Korea, the so called forgotten war, will never be forgotten by those who endured there.Will those vets please raise their hands?Thank you
Viet Nam was where I became a combat veteran. We never lost on the field of battle and don’t let me hear anyone say WE didn’t win. I’m sure the Nam Knights and Legion Riders will help me with that.Will my brothers and sisters please identify yourselves?Thank you
Desert Storm, 2nd Iraq, and Afghanistan: Those who haven’t served there will never know of your heroism. Thank you
If I failed to mention an individual, a group, or a campaign like Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, and others, up to today’s fight against Al Qaeda, it’s my fault, not of the organizers. Thank you,
To those veterans who served in times not designated as a campaign, you cold war veterans, you were on the line and took part in the greatest victory since VJ Day, when you helped defeat communism. Thank you.
To the young men and women in the Junior ROTC programs at Lake Worth and Forest Hills High Schools, thanks to you and to your instructors for your awareness of current events and possible future service to our land.
DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY
Is today’s theme and it’s fitting since DUTY was the operative word for all the above.
From General MacArthur’s words, it is the soldier above all who is required to sacrifice, as all our honored veterans, past and present, sacrificed.
Please remember it is and always will be the soldier who prays for peace since it is the soldier who suffers and bears the wounds and scars of wars.
But rest assured, that from that sacrifice comes a new level of commitment to make our nation a more perfect place. For this we owe a standing ovation to our veterans.
Peter J. Matthews
Cpt. U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)
Note: You will be able to hear this live at the Cultural Plaza following the parade.
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