By Bill Barlow
Hundreds gathered at Veterans’ Memorial Park on Monday morning to remember those lost in America’s wars.
Veterans spoke of sacrifices made for freedom, and the need to remember.
Michael Morrissey, the commander of VFW Post 6650 in Ocean City, said Memorial Day marks the start of the tourist season.
“So it’s a good time to remember those that stormed the beaches in faraway countries so that we can enjoy our beaches here in America,” he said. “Although today is a day to remember the men and women who died for our freedom, it is not a sad day but a respectful day.”
The sun occasionally peeked through overcast skies while the service proceeded, after a chilly and rain-washed holiday weekend.
Morrissey said it is fine to enjoy the long weekend, to celebrate with a barbecue or hit the beach, but asked that people keep in mind the purpose of the holiday.
“When you see a veteran today, don’t say ‘happy Memorial Day.’ Because there is no happiness in knowing about the veterans who did not return. It’s a solemn day,” said Bob Marzulli, the commander of American Legion Post 524. “When you see a vet today, thank them for their service.”
Morrissey thanked the members of Boy Scout Troop 32 who participated in the service, and the Ocean City Police and firefighters for their work on the event. Lines of police officers and firefighters stood at attention under a huge flag suspended from a fire truck ladder through the service.
Morrissey also praised the city’s support for the local veteran organizations, singling out Mayor Jay Gillian.
For some, it was the largest gathering they attended in more than a year as state restrictions on public events eased with increasing numbers of people vaccinated and new cases of COVID-19 dropping. Residents and visitors filled the stands and lined the sidewalks, with many gathered on the far side of a memorial wall in the park.
Veterans Joe Bisbing and Tom Dahl placed a wreath at the base of the city’s memorial to veterans of all wars. The ceremony also included the performance of taps by Greg Murphy of Buglers Across America, and Junior Miss Ocean City Natalie Argento sang “God Bless America.”
Jack Hagen, the adjutant for the American Legion post, described a table set in honor of those taken as prisoners of war or those missing in action, discussing the meaning of each element on the table, including a lemon, for the bitterness of the experience, and an overturned glass.
“They cannot toast with us,” he said.
The names of those from Ocean City lost in combat were read out. As is a tradition in Ocean City, the event also included playing a medley of the songs from each branch of the service, with veterans standing for their branch.
Michael Allegretto, named the aide to Mayor Jay Gillian last year, spoke on Gillian’s behalf about the flag raising ceremony that has been moved to the Music Pier on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace after taking place for years in front of a nearby waterpark.
The flag raising is set to take place every morning at 8:50 through Sept. 11, to include the national anthem and “God Bless the USA.” Over the weekend, a flagpole was dedicated at the pier to local veterans Joe Caserta, James Robinson and Bill Cruice.
“If you’ve never seen it, I encourage you to check it out. It’s a truly moving event,” Allegretto said, reading from comments prepared by Gillian.
