SEBASTIAN — More than 1,000 Sebastian and area residents descended on Memorial Park at Riverview Park in Sebastian to honor and pay their respects to the 2 million military service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our country. They also were on-hand for the unveiling of the Four Chaplains Memorial, the latest addition to the park, commemorating interfaith in service.
“It means a great deal to see so many people here,” said Army veteran Tom Fulling, who served from 1955 to 1957. “It’s nice the people come and recognize the military people who sacrificed.”
Fulling said it is important for all Americans to remember the price paid so they can live in freedom.
Vietnam veteran Bruce Elle, who served from 1969 to 1970 in the Coast Guard, agreed.
“They need to remember that liberty’s not free – that none of this is free,” he said.
Being a Vietnam veteran, Elle said today’s ceremony was much better than the reception he received in 1970.
“It feels good,” he said to see so many people take the time to attend the Memorial Day service.
Commander Jack Willis, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10210 in Sebastian, received a proclamation from the City of Sebastian commemorating the day.
“Today is not a day of celebration,” Commander Willis said, “but a day of remembrance.”
He added that many in today’s society believe celebrities and sports figures are heroes – “But my hero is the American soldier.”
His comment drew cheers and whistles of agreement.
Lt. General William Welser, who retired in 2005 from the U.S. Air Force, served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of passing on the torch of remembrance to the next generation.
“It’s important that we never forget,” he said, explaining the only way to ensure Americans don’t forget the sacrifices of those who came before is to bring the children to such ceremonies.
“We have whole generations that don’t know about war, about service,” he said.
To that end, Rick Lefebure brought his four young sons – between the ages of 4 and 11 – to the Memorial Day service.
“Just so the kids understand and have respect for adults and those in uniform,” Lefebure said of why he felt it was necessary to bring them to the event.
They wanted “to see the vets and learn why they fought for us,” said 11-year-old Cole Lefebure. His brothers, Dustin, 11, Chase, 9, and Merrick, 4, all agreed.
Cole is considering joining the US Navy when he’s old enough – in part to serve his country, but also because he likes boats.
Lt. Gen. Welser urged those in the audience to take note of what is going on in the world – to be vigilant.
“We need to pay attention to our politics,” he said. “We need to pay attention to what’s happening around us.”
He also pointed out that Americans need to stand together – united – just as the Four Chaplains, who are now memorialized at the park, did as the USAT Dorchester sank in the icy waters of the northern Atlantic nearly 70 years ago.
Lt. Gen. Welser recalled the men, who represented different faiths, and the memorial as an inspiration.
“They found unity,” he said. “They found bravery.”
The men gave up their own life vests so as to save four additional servicemen. The men went down with the ship.
“We finally did it,” said Larry Wapnick, president of the Four Chaplains committee, of unveiling the Four Chaplains Memorial, which was six years in the making. “This monument deserves to be here…in the center of love of this city.”
“These four chaplains, who were friends, died as brothers,” Wapnick said. “They stood together, as should we, as Americans. That’s how we fight against…all the ‘-isms’ that seek to destroy this country.”
Attending the event to light the eternal flame that is part of the memorial was Sebastian resident and veteran Ernie Heaton, who is one of two survivors left of the Dorchester’s sinking. To a standing ovation of cheers and applause, Heaton – with some assistance – lit the flame.
Wapnick told the audience that various military groups would be watching over the memorial, taking care of it. Those groups include the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10210, the American Legion Post 189, the Jewish War Veterans, and the US Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines.
“We’re proud to give this memorial as a gift to the people of this city,” Wapnick said.
