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When Sam Chirco of, Crystal Lake Club, a World War II combat veteran who was wounded three times, visited Washington, D.C. this past April, he came back home armed with a mission.
What so inspired him was the newly opened World War II Memorial, on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Among the many displays of all the theaters of operation, of all the battles, perhaps the most heart felt is the "Freedom Wall" of 4000 gold stars commemorating the more then 400,000 Americans killed in that war.
”When I saw that World War II Memorial,” Chirco said, "I was convinced Crystal Lake Club should have something honoring our service people. This park is full of Vets. They deserve some recognition.”
That conviction, that drive, that mission, led to an unveiling Monday morning on the lawn in front of the Crystal Lake Club clubhouse of a Veterans Monument. The monument was not only conceived of by Chirco, but he also wrote the words for the inscription and he provided the leg work to obtain the necessary permissions, funding, materials, labor and anything else needed to succeed.
And, as he said at the ceremony, all this running around all this planning and checking and double-checking, was only made possible by the support of his wife Lucille. "She kept me on track especially when I became ill.”
Serving as the dedication speaker at the unveiling Lucille Chirco pointed out how "service people hold a special place" in her husband's heart and how he has worked tirelessly to accomplish the project. And she prayed, "May this memorial to all Veterans past, present and future stand tall to remind us of the sacrifices made by them." In his comments, an emotional Sam Chirco said he had placed a time capsule in the monument filled with the names of everyone now living at Crystal Lake Club, a listing of the various committees and chairpersons, and copies of the front pages of local newspapers.
He also thanked several of his fellow residents along with some local businesses that contributed to the project. Chirco gave his loudest hurrah to Joe Barruso for his efforts in erecting the base and landscaping the area. Other Crystal Lakers thanked were Bob Zebig, Don Mellska, Bjorn Kristiansen, Dennis Allman, Ed Northrup, Joy Faulkener and Kathy Morin. Chirco also praised the homeowners association for funding the project and Crystal Lake Club management for allowing the monument to be erected.
Local businesses thanked were Jahna Concrete in Avon Park for donating the concrete blocks and Hank Lozier Masonry of Avon Park for donating the labor to attach the flagstone to the base to match the decor of the clubhouse.
Why did Lozier agree to donate his time and talents? "I was in the military myself," Lozier said, "the National Guard for six years. I'm not going to charge him for this kind of monument!"
Lozier's helper, Vaden Nealy, from Avon Park, also donated his labor. “All my forefathers were in the military," he said. "But I never could get in. But I’m a true American and I wanted to help support America."
Article written by Larry Levey of the New-Sun correspondent
'This is a tribute...' |
| Here is the inscription on the Veterans Monument at Crystal Lake Club: "This is a tribute to the men and women who serve our nation with honor and valor. You have earned our gratitude for your selfless sacrifices. They shall never be forgotten. Nov. 2005 |
Avon Park seven years ago, when Joy Faulkner realized her community Crystal Lake Club did not sponsor any Veteran’s day events, she said “We’ll have one next year if I have to do it myself!”
And that’s just what happened.
This is the sixth year Faulkner has organized the Veteran’s Day Observance at Crystal Lake Club, but she has not had to do it by herself. Many other residents who share her sense of patriotism, her need to remember America’s heroes, have joined her in this annual event.
Why has she been so motivated? “Because I am a very proud American,” she said. “My dad taught me to be proud of my country. It’s a labor of love.”
Within the clubhouse, tables along the back and one side wall displayed photos of many of the residents from their days in the service, along with other military memorabilia. One table marked “We Will Never Forget You,” honored those residents who had been in the service and who have passed away. In fact, Monday’s program was dedicated to three such men: Jack Donovan, Rene Brasley and Jim Locke.
And because of Locke and several other residents who had served in the Canadian military, the Canadian flag was flown along with the stars and stripes.
At the outset of the program, a color guard made up of residents Roy Ballard, John Scott, Bruce Lydy and Jim Marazza led scores of other veterans from the rear of the clubhouse to the front, where they took turns stating their names and their military outfits.
The program itself contained patriotic and inspirational music and a medley of armed forces songs, tributes to those who have died, a history of the origin of Veterans Day, and several poems honoring those in the service and promoting peace and freedom.
Participating in the program were Arlyn Fisher, Don Faulkner, Maggie Divis, Gerry Kenneally, Nancy Geer, Sue Distin, Gene McEndree, Betty Marin, Ray Stebbins, Esther Mussmann and Chuck Thomas.
Also thanked for their help were Mary and Ed Mayer, Betty Janisch, Yvonne Laya, Evie McLean, Maureen Murphy, John Schodorf, John Scott, Bob Zebig and Sam Chirco…
Article By: Larry Levey of the News-Suns Correspondent
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