Remembering Our Troops on Memorial Day

The annual Memorial Day gathering at the Lamky, Luther, Whitehead Veterans Memorial in Middle River brought a cross-section of generations together.

On one end, there was 86-year-old Al Classing, a World War II veteran and an emotional advocate for those that served their country. Then there was Kyle Chin, a 15-year-old Boy Scout and patriotic young man in his own right.

In between, there were more than 100 people were in attendance—including veterans representing wars from World War II to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan—at the 90-minute ceremony at the memorial, which is housed at Holly Hill Memorial Gardens.

From young to old, a common response from those in attendance was the same: every day should be Memorial Day.

“I think people should do something every day to honor those that sacrificed so much so that we can be free,” said Henry Schmincke III, commander of VFW Post 6506 in Rosedale, and a Vietnam War veteran. “Say a prayer or visit a veteran that’s sitting in a hospital because of their actions on the battlefield. Anything we can do to honor these brave men and women is our duty.”

Monday’s ceremony offered a strong sense of community and patriotism as those in attendance promoted unity and love of country. The event began with a parade of local Scout troops, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a series of prayers and patriotic songs.

But the most emotional part of the event came as the names of all those on the memorial who gave their lives for their country were read aloud. Ladies of VFW Post #6506 laid a carnation at the memorial for each veteran mentioned.

“We get to do a lot of events interacting with veterans, but this event is something special,” said Robert Gambrill, 18, an Eagle Scout with Troop 355. “You get a different feeling with this event because it’s an honor to recognize those that served and gave their lives for this country.”

Del. Mike Weir Jr. was among those who became emotional during the ceremony. His father, the late Del. Mike Weir Sr., was among 12 veterans who had their name added to “Honored Circle” portion of the memorial. It recognizes veterans who were honorably discharged from the military but didn’t die on the battlefield.

“My father was such a supporter of this memorial and believed in recognizing these brave men and women,” Weir said. “Having Dad’s name on the memorial now makes this event even more special for me now.”

Also in attendance was Dundalk resident Mike Feist. The Vietnam War veteran is a retired General Motors worker and UAW Local 239 member who spent much of Saturday with a group of retired and current autoworkers decorating more than 2,500 graves at the cemetery with American flags.

“It’s just the right thing to do on Memorial Day,” Feist said.  “We all volunteered our time and purchased the flags with union dues because we want to show our respect for those that sacrificed so that we can live free today.”

Classing, who also serves as the Lamky, Luther, Whitehead Veterans Committee memorial adviser, gets teary-eyed as he talks about the memorial, which he believes is one of the best in the nation.

“This is such a unique memorial because it’s a living memorial that involved everyone in the community,” Classing said.