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There’s no nonsense
here, there’s a job to be done. Phillips describes the process
as he moves towards his appointed position. “It takes seventeen
men to do this properly,” he says. All around men move into
action. Some grasping their M-1’s, others reviewing their notes
- one man polishes his bugle.
In the distance a
funeral procession appears. The casket covered with our Flag is
carried to the site as the family of this comrade walk toward us.
The Vets are called to attention by a resounding voice – solemn
silence is everywhere. A sense of dignity and honor permeates the
air. Thoughts of sacrifices made and courage displayed are placed
into heartfelt words by one of the men. A poem to honor
‘faithful service and comradeship’ is read by another. A
poppy, a traditional symbol of comradeship, is placed atop the
casket. Then, in an instance, orders are given and a twenty-one
gun salute resounds and echoes. Two men step forward and with
meticulous precision lift the Flag and fold it with reverent care.
It is held high for all to see and delivered to the wife of the
honored Vet. The words “…from a grateful Nation” break the
silence, misty eyes cloud my vision and in a flash the ceremony is
over. The men disburse - tomorrow is another day, another service.
All of these men are
volunteers who come from The Military Honor Guard of The
Marple Newtown Combined Veterans Alliance and are members
of one of three groups in Delaware County:
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….a
grateful Nation |
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Veteran
of Foreign Wars – Post 7390
American
Legion Marple Memorial Post 805
Marine
Corps League
General Smedley D. Butler
Detachment 741
These men together
with similar organizations throughout the fifty states
represent the best of what this Country is about. In awe of
what they do and represent – we thank you for your service!
The Military
Honor Guard of The Marple Newtown Combined Veterans Alliance
serve on request without compensation at hundreds of memorial
services each year in Delaware County.
Parades,
Flags and Honor
Parades, Flags and
Honor filled the streets and hearts of Aston on Monday as hundreds
of people lined up to pay tribute to the servicemen and women who
have and continue to provide the freedoms we enjoy.
Where most
communities benefit from one, Aston had two major parades on
Memorial Day - each with their rich traditions and ceremonies.
On
Mount Road, Commissioner Fulginiti together with the members of
the VFW Bonaventure-Clark Post #6613 and American Legion Post #87
reminded us of the sacrifices made on our behalf by Veterans
present and past.
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….a
reminder of sacrifices made |
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Public
Information Office
Share
your ideas, or let us support your community events in Aston!
Submissions received prior
to the 24th of each month will appear in the next
month’s newsletter.
Township Times
is available on the 1st of each month at the following
locations:
Aston
Community Center
Aston
Township Municipal Building
Calvary Episcopal Church
Eckerd
Pharmacy
First
Keystone Bank
Giant
Food Store
Dr. Mark Hastie D.C.
Hennessy's Restaurant
Iron
Workers Bank
PJs Sports Grille
Victory
Cleaners
Village
Green Mobile Home Community
Wawa
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At
the American Legion Post 926, Commissioner Possenti paid tribute to
“the prominent men and women of this country who have given the
ultimate sacrifice in order for all of us to continue enjoying the
everyday freedoms that many of us take for granted” and honored Emory
Driscoll, a recently departed friend and employee of Aston Township who
served his country “valiantly and courageously” during the Koran
War.
Commissioner Possenti pointed out that Emory, a former commander
of Post 926, was the recipient of several medals including the National
Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Koran
Service Medal with three Bronze
stars.
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