Memorial Day & Veterans' Day

Meet the Association:

This year's Manchester Veterans' Day gathering was not marked with a rifle salute and other fanfare as scheduled because an illness and a family's desire to see their son off to Iraq forced a change in plans, but the service which was held was no less moving nor important for its simplicity.

On November 11, 2003, 22 people gathered at the Manchester Veterans' Memorial in the heart of our village to honor locals who have laid their lives on the line in defense of our freedom. Phil Paquette, a Cost Guard Vietnam veteran, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave a short speech.

"For those of you who had not or did not receive the impromptu email I sent out this morning I should explain that after an extremely long day yesterday I arrived home about 10:30 PM to find a message on my phone machine from the AMVETS Post 4 Commander, Glenn Skelton. Due to family circumstances and emergencies including sickness and seeing his son off at 5:00 AM this morning to his deployment to Iraq, Glenn canceled his portion of today's observance. Also, Ron Smith is currently in the hospital undergoing surgery for colon cancer. A majority of their members of the VFW honor guard that was scheduled to render a rifle salute and bugler were also stricken with illness and, therefore, forced to cancel as well.

"I humbly appreciate those of you who have made the effort to witness me fumble for inadequate words to briefly remember the sacrifice of our Veterans this afternoon.

"A good speech is succinct and BRIEF!

"I would like those of us present at this humble assembly to reflect upon an article making its rounds through the internet and passed on to me by my fellow Manchester resident and Vietnam veteran who served three tours and is, among other deserved honors, the recipient of the Purple Heart, Cliff Blind.

"It was reported by ABC news that because of the dangers of Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington, D.C., the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission so suspend the assignment.

"They refused the offer.

"Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment; it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.

"The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

"Above me flies our national flag and the now familiar POW/MIA flag just below it. Now going into our third century as a nation, our flag, despite critics, has largely been known throughout the world as the standard for liberty and compassion. Thankfully, people like Albert Einstein and Werner Von Braun, recognized it as such. Today. history would have been much different if they had thought otherwise.

"The two flags flying above me and over the markers below also represent incredible sacrifice by veterans willing to suffer hardship, wounds, and even death to preserve our heritage of liberty and the freedom we enjoy.

"There is an old Chinese curse that goes something like, May you live in interesting times. It is my considered opinion that in this day and age we have, indeed arrived.

"Today, especially in Washington State today, that sense of sacrifice is being especially felt. Young men from our neighborhoods have been serving in severe circumstances in the Middle East and more are currently being sent over. Please wish them your best, as they are willing to do their best for you.

"I would beg you to offer help and comfort not only toward the service people now serving, but also their struggling families that are left behind to bear the emotional strain that so naturally afflicts loved ones.

"I would also encourage you to visit places like Retsil Veterans' Home and see if you can offer some comfort to those who sacrificed for your freedom.

"Finally, when you're going about your daily routine in freedom, thank a Vet.

Many thanks to Veteran Phil Paquette for serving as master of ceremonies at this gathering!