GRASONVILLE — Close to 75 attendees huddled together in the windy and rainy weather in the hope the special ceremony would go on. Working with Queen Anne’s County Emergency Management meteorologist, Shaelyn Parsley, and Public Information Officer Beth Malasky, organizers isolated the perfect window in which to launch the ceremony in honor of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Joe Candella, U.S. Army veteran and president of the Board of Directors for the Veteran and Military Support Alliance (VAMSA) served as master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day event held May 27 at Wells Cove on Kent Island.
An invocation was given by Kent Island American Legion Post 278 Chaplain Mark Hamilton The inaugural flag raising ceremony was conducted by the Easton-based Mid-Shore Funeral detail as U.S. Air Force Major (retired) Eric Johnson read the “meaning of the 13 folds of the flag” and sang the national anthem.
Jim Moran, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and president of the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners was on hand to give remarks and spoke highly of all of the organizers involved in making the memorial a reality. Mike Foster, trustee for The Earl and Barbara Griffin Foundation, also spoke of the service of the benefactor, Earl Griffin, who served as Maryland’s statewide VFW commander.
The Griffin Foundation provided the funding for the six-figure memorial which was made possible in partnership with: VAMSA, Petrie Ventures, Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, Queen Anne’s County Department of Public Works (Seth Cosans, project manager) and Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks and Recreation (Steve Chandlee, project liaison), U.S. Flags Company (Audrey Candella), Eastern Shore Enterprises, Inc. — Eastern Shore Flagpoles (Peter Mullaly), Chester River Landscaping (Lonny Arter, project manager) and Meredith Watters, co-manager for Landscape Architecture Design, Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates and Extreme Measures Surveying.
“In spite of the weather, the event was truly successful,” said Eric Johnson, executive director of VAMSA and an Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan) veteran. “Today has a deeper meaning to me and so many other veterans who have lost friends and colleagues both on the battlefield and off. The original purpose of Memorial Day was to honor those who had died in battle. We now understand that the battlefield transcends time and space. This nation has now lost more men and women to suicide off the battlefield than to the number who have tragically given their lives on the battlefield. While this is a horrifying milestone, it is events like this that help us remember the value of each of these lives given no matter what the circumstances might be. I find faith and healing when our community can come together like this.”
The memorial features capstones, benches, stonework, recessed lighting, and a flagpole, symbolizing the dedication to those who have served. A prominent entrance sign proudly acknowledges the contribution of The Earl and Barbara Griffin Foundation, particularly honoring Earl Griffin, a World War II Veteran and former Maryland State VFW Commander.
The official dedication of the county’s new Veterans Point at Wells Cove site will take place this Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. For more information, email: executive.director@vamsa.us
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