From NJ.com: Belleville Veterans Day parade leads to squabble over timing of hero monument's unveiling
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Veterans Day parade is a quintessential small-town tradition.
On a crisp autumn day, residents line Union Avenue to honor service members, hear marching bands and wave at politicians. This year, the town honored one of its own fallen heroes, Pfc. Henry Svehla, with a new monument.
A soldier’s silhouette adorns the nine-foot rectangular monument honoring Svehla, a 19-year-old Belleville native who died in the Korean War in 1952. In May, Svehla was awarded the Medal of Honor for throwing himself on a grenade to shield other soldiers.
Today, a squabble about whether the monument should be unveiled at the parade or another event later this week spiraled into a shouting and shoving match.
"I think we should be honoring veterans instead of arguing back and forth about something so trivial," Mayor Raymond Kimble said as he walked the parade route.
For most attendees, the sideline skirmish likely went unnoticed. But things got pretty heated between township residents Joseph Fornarotto and Richard Yanuzzi.
Despite being warned by the police chief, Fornarotto removed the black sheet covering the monument. Yanuzzi quickly covered it back up. When Fornarotto started pulling the cloth off again, the two began yelling and shoving each other.
Fornarotto, the parade organizer for some 25 years, said this year, Yanuzzi and the Belleville Board of Education are trying to steal the show. Yanuzzi said the school district’s Thursday event was suppose to feature the unveiling.
"He’s trying to take credit for everything," Yanuzzi said today.
Fornarotto shot back: "We have nothing to do with the Board of Education. Why are they here? That’s my argument."
Veteran Fosco Oliveti, 80, of Nutley, sided with Fornarotto and said it’s all politics for the other side.
"We’re having this big event and they want to keep it covered. It’s ludicrous," Oliveti said. "They want to make a big splash for their own benefit."
In the end, the covering stayed off.
Kimble said the town will simply "rededicate" the monument Thursday.
The mayor was joined by other officials, including U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.). Svehla’s nephew Anthony Svehla, 48, of Belleville, and several other relatives also attended.
Pascrell, who has known Fornarotto for more than 15 years, said the 86-year-old veteran isn’t shy about fighting for veterans.
"He’s dedicated to veterans. Sometimes he’ll drive people up a wall. But sometimes you need that or (things like the monument) don’t happen," Pascrell said.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Moundville, WV: Korean War Vets To Be Honored
From the Wheeling News-Register: Korean War Vets To Be Honored
Military veterans who served in the Korean War will be honored at a Veterans Day observance which will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at the All-Wars Monument on the east lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse in Moundsville.
Korean War veterans planning to attend are asked to contact Bob Blazer either by email at rblazer1306@comcast, or by telephone at 304-281-7331 in order to have a seat reserved. Also, Korean War veterans from Marshall County unable to attend are asked to contact Blazer with information on their branch of service.
Korean War veterans in attendance will be recognized while those unable to attend will have their names read.
At last year's Veterans Day observance World War II veterans were honored in a similar fashion.
Speaking of veterans, the second volume of Gary Rider's book, "Marshall County Patriots and Heroes," will be available during a book signing from 4-6 Thursday at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library.
Rider will introduce the book and sign it for those who wish to purchase a copy.
Volume 2 includes information of 140 veterans from Marshall County who served in the military from the American Revolution to Afghanistan. Several of the profiles are of men who were prisoners of war or killed in action. More than 60 World War II veterans have stories in the book.
Volume 1 contained information on 130 military veterans.
Rider has compiled information on 50 others who will be a part of Volume 3.
Volume 1will also be available for purchase on Friday, and after that date the books will be at Ace Hardware.
For more information about the book signing call the library at 304-845-6911.
Military veterans who served in the Korean War will be honored at a Veterans Day observance which will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at the All-Wars Monument on the east lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse in Moundsville.
Korean War veterans planning to attend are asked to contact Bob Blazer either by email at rblazer1306@comcast, or by telephone at 304-281-7331 in order to have a seat reserved. Also, Korean War veterans from Marshall County unable to attend are asked to contact Blazer with information on their branch of service.
Korean War veterans in attendance will be recognized while those unable to attend will have their names read.
At last year's Veterans Day observance World War II veterans were honored in a similar fashion.
Speaking of veterans, the second volume of Gary Rider's book, "Marshall County Patriots and Heroes," will be available during a book signing from 4-6 Thursday at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library.
Rider will introduce the book and sign it for those who wish to purchase a copy.
Volume 2 includes information of 140 veterans from Marshall County who served in the military from the American Revolution to Afghanistan. Several of the profiles are of men who were prisoners of war or killed in action. More than 60 World War II veterans have stories in the book.
Volume 1 contained information on 130 military veterans.
Rider has compiled information on 50 others who will be a part of Volume 3.
Volume 1will also be available for purchase on Friday, and after that date the books will be at Ace Hardware.
For more information about the book signing call the library at 304-845-6911.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Korean War vets to receive tribute from U.S.
From Truro Daily News: Korean War vets to receive tribute from U.S.
TRURO - Local veterans of the Korean War are being asked to contact the United States Department of Defense so they can receive a commendation.
If you served with the United Nations during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, the American defense department is looking to pay you a tribute in the form of its Commemorative Certificate in recognition of this year being the 60th anniversary of the start of the war.
"I think it's great," said Bible Hill resident and Korean War vet Curtis Faulkner. "I think it's wonderful they're recognizing us. We were all there together, we were all forgotten (following the war)."
The war began in Korea in 1950 when invading armies from the north stormed across the border into the southern half of the peninsula. At great cost, the overwhelming tide of enemy soldiers was eventually pushed back. After three years of bloody fighting, the campaign finally came to an end in 1953 after a ceasefire was declared.
Canada's contingent of volunteers was successful in helping to restore peace, although the cost in human numbers was high with 516 soldiers losing their lives, making Korea this country's third costliest war.
When the ceasefire was declared, an estimated 10 million soldiers and civilians from both sides of the 38th parallel had been killed.
Since the war, the Republic of Korea and its citizens, many who have now immigrated to Canada, continually show their great admiration and thanks for what Canadians had done for them, which is why the government of the United States is also seeking to show its appreciation.
And while Faulkner is appreciative of the American tribute, he is not concerned that Canada is not involved in a similar initiative.
"I'm looked after by Veteran's Affairs," he said. "Canada is doing a lot for its veterans."
If you are a veteran of the Korean War and would like to receive the Department of Defense Commemorative Certificate, please contact committee member Guy Black c/o 944 Dundonald Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 1B7 or by email at: korea19501953@yahoo.com Provide your first and last name, rank, unit or branch of service, dates you were in Korea and your mailing address.
TRURO - Local veterans of the Korean War are being asked to contact the United States Department of Defense so they can receive a commendation.
If you served with the United Nations during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, the American defense department is looking to pay you a tribute in the form of its Commemorative Certificate in recognition of this year being the 60th anniversary of the start of the war.
"I think it's great," said Bible Hill resident and Korean War vet Curtis Faulkner. "I think it's wonderful they're recognizing us. We were all there together, we were all forgotten (following the war)."
The war began in Korea in 1950 when invading armies from the north stormed across the border into the southern half of the peninsula. At great cost, the overwhelming tide of enemy soldiers was eventually pushed back. After three years of bloody fighting, the campaign finally came to an end in 1953 after a ceasefire was declared.
Canada's contingent of volunteers was successful in helping to restore peace, although the cost in human numbers was high with 516 soldiers losing their lives, making Korea this country's third costliest war.
When the ceasefire was declared, an estimated 10 million soldiers and civilians from both sides of the 38th parallel had been killed.
Since the war, the Republic of Korea and its citizens, many who have now immigrated to Canada, continually show their great admiration and thanks for what Canadians had done for them, which is why the government of the United States is also seeking to show its appreciation.
And while Faulkner is appreciative of the American tribute, he is not concerned that Canada is not involved in a similar initiative.
"I'm looked after by Veteran's Affairs," he said. "Canada is doing a lot for its veterans."
If you are a veteran of the Korean War and would like to receive the Department of Defense Commemorative Certificate, please contact committee member Guy Black c/o 944 Dundonald Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 1B7 or by email at: korea19501953@yahoo.com Provide your first and last name, rank, unit or branch of service, dates you were in Korea and your mailing address.
Legion's poppy campaign kicks off at JTFN
HQYellowknife.com: Legion's poppy campaign kicks off at JTFN
Yellowknife, N.W.T. - World War Two veterans Dusty Miller and Brock Parsons and Korean War veteran Jan Stirling were the first three people to receive poppies this year at the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy ceremony.
They were joined at JTFN on Friday morning by Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington, commissioner George Tuccaro, deputy mayor Mark Heyck, and several other veterans.
Past Legion president Lloyd Lush did the honours and said the ceremony is very important.
“Remembrance Day is every year on Nov. 11 and the first poppy comes out to the premier and all those people,” he said. “They remember those veterans and when you see that poppy on, you know what it means.”
The poppies will be available to the public starting Saturday leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th.
But Heyck said it’s important to recognize veterans more than one day a year.
“I think it’s not only important to remember the sacrifices that have been made around Remembrance Day, but really throughout the year,” he said. “There’s considerable sacrifices, both past and present, and lasting effects on the individuals who were involved directly in these conflicts.”
Remembrance Day events will include a wreath laying followed by a ceremony at Sir John Franklin High School.
Yellowknife, N.W.T. - World War Two veterans Dusty Miller and Brock Parsons and Korean War veteran Jan Stirling were the first three people to receive poppies this year at the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy ceremony.
They were joined at JTFN on Friday morning by Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington, commissioner George Tuccaro, deputy mayor Mark Heyck, and several other veterans.
Past Legion president Lloyd Lush did the honours and said the ceremony is very important.
“Remembrance Day is every year on Nov. 11 and the first poppy comes out to the premier and all those people,” he said. “They remember those veterans and when you see that poppy on, you know what it means.”
The poppies will be available to the public starting Saturday leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th.
But Heyck said it’s important to recognize veterans more than one day a year.
“I think it’s not only important to remember the sacrifices that have been made around Remembrance Day, but really throughout the year,” he said. “There’s considerable sacrifices, both past and present, and lasting effects on the individuals who were involved directly in these conflicts.”
Remembrance Day events will include a wreath laying followed by a ceremony at Sir John Franklin High School.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Work begins to move war memorial
From PetoskeyNews.com: Work begins to move war memorial
Piece by piece, workers recently have been dismantling the memorial to World War II and Korean War veterans on Petoskey’s west side in preparation to reinstall it a few blocks away in Pennsylvania Park.
Petoskey Department of Parks and Recreation director Al Hansen said footings were poured last week at the monument’s new site, across a walkway from an existing group of war memorials in the downtown park.
“The two largest memorials (the World War II/Korean War monument and one commemorating local veterans of the Vietnam conflict) will be located opposite each other,” Hansen said.
Richie Construction is assisting the city with the monument’s move, for which members of Petoskey High School’s Class of 1949 spearheaded fundraising. Workers dismantling the monument Monday at its site near the corner of Mitchell and Madison streets were hopeful the work there would be finished by today, Tuesday. Hansen expects at least a few days of work will be involved in putting the monument back together.
Parks and recreation officials originally hoped to move the monument in two pieces. But when they determined that numerous stones that help form the structure were damaged, Hansen said it was decided to disassemble the monument more thoroughly — separating the stones that surround the commemorative tablets — and reconstruct it at its new site.
Earlier on, the expense to move the monument was expected to be in the $5,000 to $6,000 range. But now, Hansen said, it appears the cost will be in the $6,000 to $7,000 range, including landscaping at the new site.
Hansen said about $6,000 is available from the fundraising efforts. He expects the city’s use of in-house labor for some of the relocation work will help in controlling its expenses for the project, and hopes that some local landscaping firms perhaps can donate some resources to rein in the costs.
Class of 1949 members involved with the fundraising noted that the monument’s west-side location isn’t well-suited for those who’d like to visit and pay respects to veterans. The site is in a commercial neighborhood near a busy highway, with limited parking nearby.
Petoskey’s parks and recreation master plan has identified a goal of consolidating war memorials in the downtown park. Hansen sees this spot as an appropriate one for honoring and commemorating veterans.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said of the relocatio
Piece by piece, workers recently have been dismantling the memorial to World War II and Korean War veterans on Petoskey’s west side in preparation to reinstall it a few blocks away in Pennsylvania Park.
Petoskey Department of Parks and Recreation director Al Hansen said footings were poured last week at the monument’s new site, across a walkway from an existing group of war memorials in the downtown park.
“The two largest memorials (the World War II/Korean War monument and one commemorating local veterans of the Vietnam conflict) will be located opposite each other,” Hansen said.
Richie Construction is assisting the city with the monument’s move, for which members of Petoskey High School’s Class of 1949 spearheaded fundraising. Workers dismantling the monument Monday at its site near the corner of Mitchell and Madison streets were hopeful the work there would be finished by today, Tuesday. Hansen expects at least a few days of work will be involved in putting the monument back together.
Parks and recreation officials originally hoped to move the monument in two pieces. But when they determined that numerous stones that help form the structure were damaged, Hansen said it was decided to disassemble the monument more thoroughly — separating the stones that surround the commemorative tablets — and reconstruct it at its new site.
Earlier on, the expense to move the monument was expected to be in the $5,000 to $6,000 range. But now, Hansen said, it appears the cost will be in the $6,000 to $7,000 range, including landscaping at the new site.
Hansen said about $6,000 is available from the fundraising efforts. He expects the city’s use of in-house labor for some of the relocation work will help in controlling its expenses for the project, and hopes that some local landscaping firms perhaps can donate some resources to rein in the costs.
Class of 1949 members involved with the fundraising noted that the monument’s west-side location isn’t well-suited for those who’d like to visit and pay respects to veterans. The site is in a commercial neighborhood near a busy highway, with limited parking nearby.
Petoskey’s parks and recreation master plan has identified a goal of consolidating war memorials in the downtown park. Hansen sees this spot as an appropriate one for honoring and commemorating veterans.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said of the relocatio
New Mexico: Ten military veterans get a proper burial at long last
From Carlsbad Current-Argus: Ten military veterans get a proper burial at long last
SANTA FE — Ten solitary men who served their country, including a soldier from World War I, were buried Tuesday in a mass funeral.
"It's a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own," said Gov. Susana Martinez, who gave the eulogy.
In some cases, the remains of these veterans went unclaimed for decades.
One of the 10 was a retired Army colonel whose military status approached that of legend.
His name was John Garnett Coughlin, and he received the Distinguished Service Cross for uncommon bravery in the Korean War. The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award for valor in combat, behind only the Medal of Honor.
Coughlin, who also served in World II, died in 1987. He was 79 years old, and his unclaimed body was cremated.
For years, his ashes sat in an urn at the Berardinelli Funeral Home in Santa Fe. Separate urns at Berardinelli held the remains of the other nine servicemen.
Another was Army Pvt. John L. Craft, who was born in 1901 and as a teenager served in World War I. Craft died in 1983.
But the most belated burial was for Donald Claire Smith, a sailor during World War II. He died in 1975, when Gov. Martinez was a sophomore in high school.
The 10 veterans' lives may have been painful and lonely at the end, but on this balmy autumn afternoon they received a stirring sendoff.
About 150 people attended their funeral. One was retired Maj. Gen. Frank J. Schober Jr.,
who lives in Santa Fe.
Schober said he was stunned that a soldier of Coughlin's accomplishments had somehow died without anyone seeming to notice.
"How does that happen?" Schober asked.
Even a hero such as Coughlin, it seems, can slip through the cracks for a generation. His burial came almost a quarter-century after his death.
Martinez said all 10 were brave men whose contributions were finally and fittingly recognized in a public service.
"Today, they receive the honor they deserve," she said.
The funeral was part of the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program. It provides for a full military burial of the cremated remains of veterans whose bodies were not claimed by relatives.
It is a combined effort of the Missing in America Project, the Albuquerque office of the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services and the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
The ashes of all 10 were buried on the east side of the cemetery, said Cliff Shields, the director.
This was the second such mass burial service for him. Sixteen veterans who died in Bernalillo County and whose bodies went unclaimed were buried last year at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
There is a saying about those in military service and others who die for their country: "All gave some. Some gave all."
The 10 honored Tuesday were in another category — almost forgotten. But, at long last, the country they served made sure they were remembered.
Santa Fe Bureau Chief Milan Simonich can be reached at msimonich@tnmnp.com or 505-820-6898. His blog is at nmcapitolreport.com.
The 10 veterans who were buried Tuesday
--John Garnett Coughlin. Born in 1908 in Bisbee, Ariz. Died in 1987. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in the Korean War. He also served in World War II.
--Jackson Evert Shirley. Born in 1918 in Williams, Ariz. Died in 1983. Recipient of the Silver Star, third-highest medal for valor in combat. Served in World War II and the Korean War.
--Edward Grimm Lucius. Born in 1916 in Chicago. Died in 1979. Served in World War II.
--Donald Claire Smith. Born in 1901 in Roswell. Died in 1975. Served in World War II.
--Milton Vincin Burroughs, born in 1920 in Jeffersonville, Ind. Died in 1983. Served in World War II.
--Gerald Edwin Huber, born in 1921 in Los Alamos. Died in 2009. Served in World War II.
--Richard Landrum Thomas. Born in 1917 in Washington, D.C. Died in 2010. Served in World War II.
--John L. Craft. Born in 1901 in Bonne Terree, Mo. Died in 1983. Served in World War I.
--Charles Thomas Stewart. Born in 1936 in New Boston, Ohio. Died in 1990. Served in Korea.
--Henry D. Nichols. Born in 1918 in Pleasantville, N.Y. Died in 1981. Served in World War II.
SANTA FE — Ten solitary men who served their country, including a soldier from World War I, were buried Tuesday in a mass funeral.
"It's a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own," said Gov. Susana Martinez, who gave the eulogy.
In some cases, the remains of these veterans went unclaimed for decades.
One of the 10 was a retired Army colonel whose military status approached that of legend.
His name was John Garnett Coughlin, and he received the Distinguished Service Cross for uncommon bravery in the Korean War. The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award for valor in combat, behind only the Medal of Honor.
Coughlin, who also served in World II, died in 1987. He was 79 years old, and his unclaimed body was cremated.
For years, his ashes sat in an urn at the Berardinelli Funeral Home in Santa Fe. Separate urns at Berardinelli held the remains of the other nine servicemen.
Another was Army Pvt. John L. Craft, who was born in 1901 and as a teenager served in World War I. Craft died in 1983.
But the most belated burial was for Donald Claire Smith, a sailor during World War II. He died in 1975, when Gov. Martinez was a sophomore in high school.
The 10 veterans' lives may have been painful and lonely at the end, but on this balmy autumn afternoon they received a stirring sendoff.
About 150 people attended their funeral. One was retired Maj. Gen. Frank J. Schober Jr.,
who lives in Santa Fe.
Schober said he was stunned that a soldier of Coughlin's accomplishments had somehow died without anyone seeming to notice.
"How does that happen?" Schober asked.
Even a hero such as Coughlin, it seems, can slip through the cracks for a generation. His burial came almost a quarter-century after his death.
Martinez said all 10 were brave men whose contributions were finally and fittingly recognized in a public service.
"Today, they receive the honor they deserve," she said.
The funeral was part of the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program. It provides for a full military burial of the cremated remains of veterans whose bodies were not claimed by relatives.
It is a combined effort of the Missing in America Project, the Albuquerque office of the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services and the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
The ashes of all 10 were buried on the east side of the cemetery, said Cliff Shields, the director.
This was the second such mass burial service for him. Sixteen veterans who died in Bernalillo County and whose bodies went unclaimed were buried last year at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
There is a saying about those in military service and others who die for their country: "All gave some. Some gave all."
The 10 honored Tuesday were in another category — almost forgotten. But, at long last, the country they served made sure they were remembered.
Santa Fe Bureau Chief Milan Simonich can be reached at msimonich@tnmnp.com or 505-820-6898. His blog is at nmcapitolreport.com.
The 10 veterans who were buried Tuesday
--John Garnett Coughlin. Born in 1908 in Bisbee, Ariz. Died in 1987. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in the Korean War. He also served in World War II.
--Jackson Evert Shirley. Born in 1918 in Williams, Ariz. Died in 1983. Recipient of the Silver Star, third-highest medal for valor in combat. Served in World War II and the Korean War.
--Edward Grimm Lucius. Born in 1916 in Chicago. Died in 1979. Served in World War II.
--Donald Claire Smith. Born in 1901 in Roswell. Died in 1975. Served in World War II.
--Milton Vincin Burroughs, born in 1920 in Jeffersonville, Ind. Died in 1983. Served in World War II.
--Gerald Edwin Huber, born in 1921 in Los Alamos. Died in 2009. Served in World War II.
--Richard Landrum Thomas. Born in 1917 in Washington, D.C. Died in 2010. Served in World War II.
--John L. Craft. Born in 1901 in Bonne Terree, Mo. Died in 1983. Served in World War I.
--Charles Thomas Stewart. Born in 1936 in New Boston, Ohio. Died in 1990. Served in Korea.
--Henry D. Nichols. Born in 1918 in Pleasantville, N.Y. Died in 1981. Served in World War II.
New memorial to Korean War veterans damaged in Kansas City
From The Republic: New memorial to Korean War veterans damaged in Kansas City
Kansas City, Mo. — Vandals have damaged Kansas City's new Korean War Veteran's Memorial.
KCTV reports that that the steel plating with the names of those killed in the war is damaged and that one of four stars inside the memorial has been stolen. Police also said that skateboard wax is all over a bench that borders the memorial.
The Korean War Memorial is the only statewide memorial honoring the more than 900 Missourians who died during the war.
A new security camera has been placed at the memorial, which was unveiled a month ago.
Kansas City, Mo. — Vandals have damaged Kansas City's new Korean War Veteran's Memorial.
KCTV reports that that the steel plating with the names of those killed in the war is damaged and that one of four stars inside the memorial has been stolen. Police also said that skateboard wax is all over a bench that borders the memorial.
The Korean War Memorial is the only statewide memorial honoring the more than 900 Missourians who died during the war.
A new security camera has been placed at the memorial, which was unveiled a month ago.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)