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Good morning. I wish to introduce my sister Frances from Sebring, and my brother Joe and his wife Kay. They drove from North Carolina for this occasion.
Last April, Lucille and I took a group of people to Washington D.C. to see the World War II Memorial. It was 'awesome'! It is about two football fields in size. The layout is in a semicircle with a reflection pool in the center. Each side has 27 monuments representing all of the states and territories of the USA. They are about 50 feet apart and in between are panels of the various battles that took place in the South Pacific and in Europe. The beauty of it is Almost indescribable. In the background, beyond the Potomac River, is Lincoln's Memorial, standing like a sentinel over this sacred place.
We were lucky, because all of the 4000 cherry trees were in bloom. Few people left there without tears in their eyes. This experience convinced me that Crystal Lake Club must have something honoring our service people.
On returning here I contacted management and the Board of Directors of the Home Owners Association with my idea. They all agreed it was an excellent project, and the Home Owners Association would pay its cost. I then proceeded to contact the necessary people to do the work. Several of our residents pitched in to do some of the work. I purchased needed supplies and it got started.
While under construction I inserted a time capsule. It includes the name of every resident, and a list of all committees and their chairperson. Then I put in the front pages of the three papers before sealing it.
You are viewing all of their hard work as rewarded in this memorial. I wish to thank the following persons who helped make this possible. First and foremost Hank Lozier, Jahna Cement, who gave us the concrete blocks and who did all of this beautiful stonework. Joe Barruso, and his assistant Vadan Neely, who put in the footing with the help of Bob Zebig, Don Mellske, Bjorn Kristiansen, Dennis Allman. Ed Northrup got us the plaque at cost. Joy Faulkner and Kathy Morin also contributed. A Special thank you to Pat Towle who typed up all the information for the time capsule and to Ralph Flenniken for supplying the capsule.
Most of all I must thank my wife Lucille who keeps me on track. In closing let me say, I love America and am proud to have served her. I thank you for coming!
Special Thanks To: |
Hank Lozier | Jahna Cements | Joe Barruso & Vadan Nelly | Bob Zebig | Don Mellske |Bjorn Kristiansen | Dennis Allman | Ed Northrup | Joy Faulkner | Kathy Morin | Pat Towle | Ralph Flenniken |
I feel honored this morning for being asked to make this dedication of the memorial to all veterans.
This project has been important to Sam and he has worked tirelessly to accomplish it. The service people of our country hold a special place in his heart.
Let us bow our heads as we ask God's blessing on this day of the memorial dedication. May this memorial to all veterans past, present, and future stand tall to remind us of the sacrifices made by them. Let me read the inscription composed by Sam so it can forever by embedded in our hearts:
"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.
God bless the USA and all of us. Amen
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