Remembering Heroes: Delaware celebrates 6th Annual Medal of Honor Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James Wilkinson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Crowded between B-17 and C-47 aircraft, a diverse audience comprised of both military and civilian from nearly all backgrounds gathered to honor America's most distinguished heroes.

They all came together to honor and celebrate the 14 Medal of Honor recipients from the first state at the Delaware Medal of Honor Historical Association's Sixth Annual National Medal of Honor Recognition Day Ceremony at the Air Mobility Command Museum Saturday.

Although, the ceremony celebrates recipients from Delaware specifically, it also honors all of our Nation's Medal of Honor recipients, said Paul Cathell Jr., Delaware Medal of Honor Historical Association president and host of the ceremony.

Those in attendance included various representatives from the Delaware state government, Air Force active duty, Delaware Army National Guard, Junior ROTC cadets from local high schools and military academies, members of local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, the United Service Organization, and descendants of our Nation's Medal of Honor recipients.

The observance began when children from the George S. Welch Elementary School gave the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard who presented the colors, so Delaware Military Academy cadets Arielle Brittingham, Lisa Brasure and Alex Sidell could sing the National Anthem.

The ceremony is held each year on March 25 because on this day, 143 years earlier, the first Medal of Honor was awarded to U.S. Army Private Jacob Parrott for his heroic actions during the Civil War.

"Exceptional valor in the military is what the Congressional Medal of Honor recognizes," said Maj. Gen. Francis Vavala, Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard and the first guest speaker at the ceremony. "The Medal of Honor recipients are a living reminder of how we need to conduct our Nation's business. They are a lasting inspiration and certainly an example for all of us to follow, particularly those who wear the great uniform of our country."

According to the general, seven of the Medal of Honor recipients from the first state were from the Delaware National Guard, and of the total 3,461 recipients of the medal only 116 are still living.

After his speech, the general handed Mr. Cathell a general's coin to recognize his efforts in coordinating the annual ceremony.

"Today, we not only celebrate the state of Delaware's 14 Medal of Honor heroes, but heroes everywhere, who answer the Nation's call - many of which who paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of a grateful Nation," said Col. Chad Manske, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander, the ceremony's next speaker.

Among the other guest speakers for the event were: former governor of Delaware David Buckson, John DiEleuterio, who spoke on behalf of Senator Joseph Biden, Jymayce Wescott who spoke on behalf of Senator Thomas Carpter, Delaware Representative Donna Stone, as well as other speakers who all gave praise to the recipients and noted the significance of the medal.

During the ceremony, there were various donations made by private organizations to the AMC Museum Memorial Walkway, USO, Air Force Assistance Fund and the Delaware National Guard Reserve and Emergency Assistance Fund.

Cadets Andrew Feeley and Manuel Cuesta, Delaware Military Academy, sounded Taps on their bugles to solemnly conclude the ceremony.

After the official ceremony concluded, the USO provided refreshments and the audience was able to peruse the Hallway of Heroes - an AMC museum exhibit honoring all of our Nation's Medal of Honor recipients.

Descendants brought forth and presented various items to be displayed to the public to both honor their family heroes and show thanks to the Delaware Medal of Honor Historic Association for remembering and recognizing their ancestors.

Among the many reminders brought in by descendants included a Medal of Honor (from Sgt. John Meagher, U.S. Army, who served in World War II), heroes' letters to home, photos, and other personal keepsakes of the recipients.

Descendants of Delaware Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and WWII attended the ceremony. The family of Sgt. James P. Connor, who served in the U.S. Army during WWII, came to the ceremony with their grandchildren so they will know who "Pop Pop" was, according to Mr. Cathell.

"I find that veterans of all wars tend to keep their stories to themselves, and the Medal of Honor Recipients who are alive do the same," concluded Mr. Cathell. "I decided to keep the stories and memories of Delaware's 14 MOH recipients alive - otherwise they will fade away."

For more information on the Medal of Honor, visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Web site at http://www.cmohs.org.