SEBASTIAN — Memorial Park at Riverview Park in Sebastian overflowed with Sebastian’s residents who came out to recognize veterans both past and present on Veterans Day. “It’s a great privilege to be here today,” said Father Dave Newhart, to honor those who serve, defend and protect America.
Held on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at 11 a.m. – this year’s Veterans Day fell on the eleventh year of the century – a lucky day, according to Master of Ceremonies Senior Vice Commander Frank Cutrone, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10210 in Sebastian.
Those in attendance heard the latest on the long-anticipated Four Chaplains Memorial, which will be dedicated on Feb. 14, 2012 – the 89th birthday of Ernie Heaton, one of two living survivors of the sinking of USS Dorchester.
The USS Dorchester was sunk Feb. 3, 1943, after a German torpedo ripped through it mid-ship, Larry Wapnick told the audience. The four chaplains aboard the ship – a priest, a rabbi and two protestant ministers – gave their life jackets to four soldiers and went down with the ship.
Only 230 of the 902 on board were rescued.
To honor and remember their sacrifice, Wapnick and his committee have been working to get a monument for Sebastian’s Memorial Park. The monument will be set in the middle of a reflection pool and be made of granite sitting atop a boulder.
Commissioner Joe Flescher presented a proclamation signed by the County Commission, recognizing Veterans Day.
“Thank you veterans,” he said. “We’re indebted to you.”
A “you’re welcome” came from the back of the audience in response.
Flescher said that Veterans Day is a day for commemorating what it is to be American – speaking English, practicing one’s own beliefs, speaking and writing freely, and being able to assemble.
“Without veterans, we don’t know where we would be, would he?” he asked the crowd of several hundred residents.
It was a message similar to that of Keynote speaker Commander Jack Willis of VFW Post 10210.
He shared with the audience that a million soldiers have died in defense of America, starting with the American Revolution. He said America stands as an example of freedom.
Willis said that not only do American soldiers defend America, they also foster freedom for all around the world.
“They did not sacrifice in vain,” he said, adding, “Not on our watch.”
Sebastian Mayor Jim Hill said the benefits that come from living in a city like Sebastian and in a state like Florida – it all pales in comparison to the benefits from living in the United States of America, because of the freedoms American veterans secured and continue to secure for the country.
Hill encouraged the audience to recognize veterans not only on Veterans Day but also to do so every day.
To the veterans, he said, “I salute you today and I salute you every day.”
Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said veterans are public servants who have given much to their country and received so little in return.
He called on the crowd to support the US Congress’s efforts to encourage the hiring of veterans and continue their healthcare coverage.
“We must do what we can to support our veterans,” Sheriff Loar said, later adding, “It starts right here in Sebastian.”
