Veterans entertained by reminders of days gone by

Michael Isam
Special to Historic City News

With the colorful display by veteran and civic organizations, period re-enactors, and an impressive display of firepower of days gone by, over 100 residents of St. Johns County were treated to a celebration of our county veterans they have come to expect.

Beginning at 11:59 a.m., re-enactors from Men of Menendez and the 1740 Spanish Garrison began firing period weapons to simulate the final barrages before the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918 (French time), which is noted in history as the armistice of World War I. The official documents of surrender by the German Army had been signed five hours earlier in Ferdinand Foch’s railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, about 37 miles (60 km) north of Paris. Until the appointed time both sides fired continual bombardments using armaments so they would not have to be packed and transported to storage.

Lead by the Florida National Guard Adjutant General Honor Guard, over 30 active duty, veteran, and civic organizations passed in review for the “Massing of the Colors” to honor our veterans.

After the traditional welcoming remarks by Lt. Col Bill Dudley, USAF (retired), came the invocation by Father Ken Herzog, the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem by Ms. Faith Miller. Dudley then introduced guest speaker, Brigadier General Craig Crenshaw, USMC. General Crenshaw currently serves as Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics (Plans).

General Crenshaw spoke eloquently of the sacrifice many have made for their county. More pointedly, he spoke of the sacrifice paid during the 1965 battle in the Ia Drang Valley during the Vietnam War, and most important to local residents, he spoke of Leo C. Chase Jr. who lost his life in that battle 5 days before his rotation home. Chase was a rifleman in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry (Airmobile). He was the first of many St. Johns County residents to die in the Vietnam war.

Many men and women were honored during the ceremony. During the time set aside to remember those who have passed since Memorial Day, more than 100 names were read by Ms. Peggy Tappan and Mrs. Deidre Mountcastle, representing the Military Officers Association of America, (MOAA). Each branch of American service was represented as well as service in the British Army and Navy, and the Royal Canadian Army. A single peal of a ship’s bell acknowledged the branch of service of those who have passed.

During “Trooping the Line”, re-enactors and others covering the military history in St. Augustine since its founding in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés were announced along with their period of service. Dudley noted that “Menendez has sent his regrets that he will be unable to attend,” meaning Chad Light, the well-known epitome of Menendez.

One who was able to attend, resplendent in his uniform was Marine Lance Corporal Brandon Long. Long and his family, wife Nicole and daughter Claire, are recent residents to St. Johns County. The Longs and two other War on Terror veteran families live in specially adapted homes provided by Homes for Our Troops.

Long lost both of his legs in an IED blast in Sangin, Afghanistan on December 21, 2010. Riding a special motorized chair equipped with rubber ‘tank tracks’, Long made his way to the center of the formation and was acknowledged by a standing ovation lasting over a minute. Long fought back tears as he made his way back to his position in line.

The ceremony ended with a three volley salute by re-enactors, “Taps” by St. Johns Sheriff Commander John Donlon followed by a stirring rendition of “God Bless America” and the “Retirement of the Colors” led by CW4 George McCrea, USA (retired).

The most unsung person of these ceremonies is almost always the person who is always front and center for all the speeches; the hand speaker for the hearing impaired. Many thanks go out to Ms. Jackye Ward of Ward Media Group, Inc.