DAVID BALL
PORT ARTHUR — By its history, the U.S. Armed Forces believes in accomplishing its mission.
So when wind and rain clouds broke loose on Monday’s Memorial Day service, it didn’t stop hearty veterans from remembering their fallen comrades, those who have served and those who are serving. The weather, however, did shorten the ceremony at the Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial Park in Port Arthur. The program was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4820 in Port Neches.
The program began with patriotic music, the Pledge of Allegiance and a cannon-fired salute. Jim White, park chairman, updated the audience on work to refurbish the park after sustaining damage from Hurricane Ike. Last weekend, the park had its largest work crew to spruce things up.
White added more plaques have been ordered to place in the park commemorating those who have served. He urged the audience to remember veterans at Veterans Administration hospitals, too.
Program speaker David Mahfouz, pastor of First Baptist Church in Port Neches speech was cut short due to inclement weather and technical difficulties. The rain slackened off near the end of the program to allow a memorial firing of the rifles from the post, a benediction and the playing of Taps.
Another Memorial Day service was held earlier on Monday at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches during better weather, also sponsored by Post 4820.
Charles Jehlen, principal of Central Middle School in Nederland was the program speaker. He announced he has worked with the post in the past when he was part of a trio singing the words to Taps.
Jehlen said they assembled on Memorial Day to stop and remember Americans sent to war and those who didn’t return home. He also mentioned his family’s involvement in the military and service to country during wartime.
Jehlen spoke how the armed forces has moved from a military of draftees, to a volunteer force. He added he has studied war as history, but he has never wore a uniform.
“Most Americans aren’t veterans. America is not a militaristic nation, but we will fight for freedom. Part of every one of us lie in these graves. We now face an age of terrorism, nuclear proliferation and recession, but we faced storms before,” Jehlen said.
Herb Stafford is commander of VFW Post 4820. The post began honoring fallen veterans at Oak Bluff 40 years ago for Memorial and Veterans Days.
“We honor all the veterans. Those who went before us, it’s a day of rejoicing and remorsefulness and this program is to show they are still in our memory. I think of my friends killed in war,” Stafford said. “We look forward to this every year. We’ll go as long as we can. We’re thankful we’re still around. I think of my friends killed in war.”
Danny Nelligan is a fellow member of the post. He spoke of his uncles who died in World War II and friends who died in Vietnam.
“I miss them bad,” Nelligan said.
dball@panews.com
