Harney VFW honors Veterans

(11/13) More than 100 individuals attending the Harney Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) observance were greeted by near-perfect Fall weather as members of the military past and present were honored for their services.

Veterans representing virtually every military engagement since World War II were represented among those attending the November 12 ceremonies.  

Also attending were representatives of the Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder, two organizations who work with families of fallen veterans, as well as wounded warriors and their families. The Patriot Guard Riders of Maryland are a chapter of the national organization who shield families of fallen soldiers from protesters while one of the primary objectives of Rolling Thunder "is to publicize the POW-MIA issue."

Harney VFW Post 6918-07 Commander Albert Angell said, "The more we support our servicemen, the better off we're going to be. We honor our departed comrades as well as anyone (currently) in the services."

Ladies' Auxiliary President Marie Wolfe stated, "Today is a day of reflection….(and when) we remember the men and women whose fate has not been determined (those who remain missing in action)."

"More than 83,000 Americans are missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the 1991 Gulf War," according to the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO).

Men's Auxiliary President Douglas Gross said, "Each of our veterans give up a part of their lives or has given up their lives to protect and defend our country from communism and fascism. We owe a debt to our veterans that can never be paid."

Len Fromel, commander of the Carlisle American Legion, stated, "9-11 served as America's wake-up call. The veterans are our sword against the darkness."

Following the indoor ceremonies, Angell, Wolfe, and Gross placed wreaths on the VFW's veterans' memorial with the accompaniment of a 21-gun salute provided by the post's honor guard.

A array of U.S. military armament and equipment was displayed during the event courtesy of the 82nd Airborne Division (also known as the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment during World War II).