Darlington Memorial Dedication
On November 10, 2001 the citizens of the Darlington area honored the veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars by dedicating a monument to them.
The Citizens Watch Committee worked and raised the necessary funds to purchase this memorial. A very moving ceremony was held at the memorial park in Darlington.
The Vietnam Veterans of America, Beaver County Chaper 862 was honored to take part in the ceremony by presenting the Colors along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8106.
Bill Muns, Director of Veterans Affairs for Beaver County and a member of VVA Chapter 862, was one of the speakers at the ceremony. His address is printed below.
I am honored to be present for this dedication today. Not only are we dedicating this memorial but also we are honoring all citizens that have worn a uniform, who have served and sacrificed to keep this nation free.
As the Veterans Director of Beaver County, I have the honor of representing nearly 24,000 veterans, a county that gave unselfishly during The Korean War, Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. For that matter, this county gave for all wars and conflicts, and we are giving today during these uneasy times.
Since the founding of this country, men and women have been sacrificing so that all of us have the ability to say that we are Americans. We are free to make out own decisions about where we live or what religion we want to embrace. There are many decisions that we all have made that are taken for granted.
On this solemn day of remembrance, we offer special recognition to the veterans of the Darlington Area who faced the horrors of war, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All". Those courageous Americans put freedom before their lives and fortunes, forfeiting all the blessings of a rich and full life. Some never had a chance to see their children grown and married, to meet their grandchildren.
Not all who served gave their lives. Today, more than half the veterans who ever wore our nation's uniforms still live among us. They come from every walk of life, and every ethnic, religious and racial background. They are teachers, coaches, lawyers, bricklayers, police and firemen and women. People who heard ( and are now hearing ) the call to fulfill their civic obligation to serve.
These people have accomplished extraordinary things. They have defended our liberty against the challenges that were set before them, preserving our freedom.
Like those before them, the men and women of today's military are ready to fight, if necessary, to die for our country.
And through Commemoration events like the one today more Americans than ever have the opportunity to appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made in service to our country.
It is important to us that young Americans whose lives have not been touched by war appreciate that America rose to greatness on the shoulders of ordinary citizens.
It is important that young Americans appreciate the debt we all owe to those who have sacrificed and suffered to win for us the freedoms we now take for granted.
I am privileged to say, "Thank You", to Darlington's and our nation's Veterans and we ask God's blessing upon you
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