News

The price of freedom, paid with lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The mournful sound of bagpipes could be heard throughout the Sharon Hills Memorial Park early Memorial Day morning as men and women, young and old, walked past the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice many years ago. 

The Central Delaware Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard paid homage more than 700 military veterans during the annual Memorial Day service. 

"In the year 1995, Marine Corps Leaguers Ken Cornell (now deceased) and Jim Thompson developed the program for the service with the Sharon Hills Memorial Park staff to provide a way to honor the heroes that have gone before us," said George Weiss, Marine Corps League Detachment Commandant, serving as one of two master of ceremonies. "We wanted to pay our respects to the memories of all deceased veterans and to express our appreciation for their honorable and faithful service to our country. 

"Our League asked a qualified group to take over to help pay our respects to all United States Veterans interred everywhere in the world who have preceded us to the eternal life," he said.

The Marine Corps League passed on the responsibilities of the ceremony to the Dover AFB Honor Guard. 

Tech. Sgt. Gerald Rocha, NCO in-charge of the Dover AFB Honor Guard, believed the veterans deserved this honor and respect, and assumed the responsibilities to continue the annual ceremony for years to come, said Mr. Weiss.

"Every veteran who fought and died in battles such as Concord, Gettysburg, Bellau Woods, Guadalcanal, the Bulge, Chosen Reservoir in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, to name only a few, has earned our nation's deepest respect for giving their all for our country," said Sergeant Rocha, during his speech as the second master of ceremonies. "We have lost so many of our young people to the horrors of war. 

"Every man and woman who served our country during times of war or troubled peace between wars was ready to do what their country asked of them and to go anywhere in the world as necessary. All have died as honored veterans and have earned the appreciation and gratitude of all Americans, "said Sergeant Rocha.

Capt. Richard Rojas, 436th Airlift Wing chaplain, began the invocation and presented the guest speaker, Col. Eric Wydra, 436th AW vice commander.

"American servicemembers who fought with courage have died in wars and conflicts to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear," said Colonel Wydra. 

"Throughout the wars and conflicts this nation has fought, each person lost has been important - cherished by family and friends; missed by comrades-in-arms who stood with that person," said the colonel. "Behind every decorated grave today of a fallen veteran is a story of grief that came to a spouse, a mother, a father, a child, a family or a town. 

"But we're not just here to mourn these heroes, we're here to celebrate them and their sacrifices; their willingness to put service before self to protect the freedoms we enjoy," he said. 

After the colonel's speech, Sergeant Rocha asked the gathered crowd of veterans and their friends and families to stand at attention as the color guard marched with sharp precision, taking each meticulous step in sync with one another. 

Cpl. Chad Burnet, Dover Police Department paid his respect by playing his bagpipe, rendering the song, 'Amazing Grace.' 

"This is a special day where we can all come together to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. None of us should ever take this freedom for granted, that was bought and paid for by the lives of heroes. Enjoy your freedoms each and every day," said Staff Sgt. (ret.) James Hutchison, who served with the Delaware National Guard. 

Other veterans agreed, such as Gunnery Sgt. (ret.) Henry Schlagenhauser, who first entered the service in 1948. 

"We took it upon ourselves to bear this honor. If it hadn't been for their sacrifice, we wouldn't be here," said Mr. Schlagenhauser, one of the original Marines who played a part in planning the original ceremony. "Besides the flags and the flowers, there was no observance, but I felt something more had to be done." 

The retired Marine sergeant of 20 years said it's an honor and privilege to attend, though it may be difficult for him. 

"I come out to show respect to those who have gone before me," said the Marine, who sat up tall and proud in his wheelchair. 

Servicemembers of today and veterans of the past united as one, the young and old standing tall at attention with the proud salute of an American as the color guard presented arms. 

As the firing squad rendered the rifle salute to honor the dead, a strong sense of emotion gathered within the crowd. The sound of trembling breaths and muffled cries could be heard as Airman 1st Class John Davis ended the ceremony by sounding Taps on his bugle.