Old Glory waves on a glorious autumn morning as veterans are honored in New Philadelphia

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • November 12, 2012
  • 336
                        
Summary: America’s military heroes were honored on the Tuscarawas County Courthouse lawn in New Philadelphia. The Sun, Nov. 11 commemorative service was blessed with beautiful weather. “It’s good to be part of Veteran’s Day here in New Philadelphia, as a way to show our appreciation,” stated Chad Conrad, director for the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross, as he handed a cup of steaming coffee to Vietnam veteran Linus Kilcheman. Kilcheman, dressed in his serviceman’s uniform, was on the Tuscarawas County Courthouse square to participate in the annual Veteran’s Day services Nov. 11, along with many other veterans and community members. Conrad and other Red Cross members were handing out coffee, drinks, and cookies to those attending the ceremony on the beautiful and unseasonably warm fall Sunday morning. “We are doing this as part of our Military Services programming, and being here is something new for us,” Conrad added, noting that the Veterans Administration office and the Troop and Family Assistance group were co-sponsoring having the local Red Cross services van on site, and that several local businesses had graciously provided the cookies for attendees. Bill Morgan served as Master of Ceremonies, with local dignitaries sharing the platform. Members of VFW Post #1445, AMVETS #1338, American Legion Post #139, and Vietnam Veterans #857 all participated in the commemorative program, including the Color Guard, the Placing of the Wreaths, and the Salute to the Dead, all Veteran’s Day ceremonial traditions that brought a tear to the eyes of many in attendance. Veterans, those in active service, and families and friends who had lost a soldier either in the distant or recent past listened solemnly as the program unfolded. Elder Glenn Carlisle, a WWII veteran, gave a heartfelt invocation as well as an equally stirring benediction, while the New Philadelphia High School band, under the direction of Jeff Furbay, and the New Philadelphia Delphian Chorale, with director Kristi Prucha, provided instrumental and vocal musical selections. Sharon Ricklic’s fifth grade class from York Elementary School once again presented The Folds of the Flag. “When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ read Madison Pollock clearly, as her classmates stood at the top of the courthouse steps and completed the 13 folds of the flag. “After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served…preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.” Veteran Roger Schwartz took the microphone to honor several area veterans for their exemplary service to other veterans. He explained why John Lake, Jr., of Mineral City, who is now deceased, was being honored. “John made it his mission to organize a project at his post in Mineral City that resulted in over 9,000 care package boxes to be sent to overseas veterans during his lifetime,” explained Schwartz, “Today, that program continues, with over 10,000 packages now having been sent.” Special speaker for the event was Sam Comptom, past state commander for the VFW. Comptom, a Vietnam veteran, began by taking the time to recognize his fellow veterans in the audience. He began with World War II veterans, and then went on to the Korean War vets. “Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service,” he said, before honoring the Vietnam vets present by saying, “If no one ever has, let me be the first to say, welcome home.” Comptom then recognized veterans of more recent wars before continuing. “We honor the quiet, resonant strength…of those who have served us in peacetime and war…it is vital that we teach and share and celebrate the legacy of America’s veterans, passing it on to our children, their children, and their children’s children. Our sense of gratitude must not sleep. It is our responsibility to be sure our veterans are tended to and cared for,” Compton stated. “Let us always draw strength and inspiration from what they have done.”


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