This year, we celebrated the eighth anniversary of our Memorial Day ceremony, and it was an undeniable success, with the entire community turning out to pay their respects. The outdoor ceremony commenced at 11:30, with the honor guard and color guard presenting arms as the flag was raised outside the clubhouse.
Inside, the program was filled with touching and meaningful highlights that left a lasting impression on all attendees:
The ceremony began with a heartwarming performance of the National Anthem by our very own choir, “Noble Voices.” Throughout the program, they continued to move the audience with a soul-stirring rendition of “American Tears,” a song written by Teresa Jennings. Soloist Chris Talbot, accompanied by the talented Director Bonnie Forgacs, delivered a beautiful and emotional performance that touched everyone’s hearts.
Bob Sly took the stage to recite a POW/MIA reading, an eloquent tribute to those brave souls who are prisoners of war or missing in action. While we couldn’t attribute the reading to its original author at the time, rest assured, we will provide that information as soon as possible.
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was the “Missing Man Table” segment, a touching tribute to our beloved ones who are no longer with us. Tom Mehl led the reading as veterans and residents alike solemnly placed various items on the table, each carrying its own symbolic meaning:
- A table, often round, representing our unwavering concern for the missing.
- A white tablecloth, symbolizing the pure motives that led them to answer the call of duty.
- A single red rose, a poignant reminder of the missing individuals, and a testament to the unwavering faith and love of their friends and families, who await answers.
- A lemon, evoking the bitter fate of those captured and missing in foreign lands.
- A pinch of salt, symbolizing the tears shed by those longing for their return.
- A single candle, representing the indomitable spirit of those who are missing. We will always remember.
- The Book of Faith, a powerful symbol of the strength gained through faith, supporting those who have been lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
- An inverted glass, a poignant reminder of their absence during this evening’s toast.
- An empty chair, signifying their absence in our midst.
The ceremony continued with a touching moment when Tom Dolphin shared a deeply personal poem he had composed, titled “They Tell Me of You.” This heartfelt tribute was dedicated to his son, Staff Sergeant Patrick Ryan Dolphin, a Marine Raider from the Special Operations Command (MARSoc).
As the program came to a close, attendees were able to enjoy refreshments generously provided by NPVA. President Jamison took a moment to express sincere gratitude to all the volunteers whose efforts made this year’s Memorial Day ceremony an unforgettable success.
On this solemn day, we came together as a community to honor and remember the brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their memory will forever live on in our hearts, and we are grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to them on this special day.