VFW post honors soldiers with new display on Unity Day

There's patriotism to behold on a grassy knoll off westbound Route 50 through the city.

Flags representing every branch of the U.S. Military, in addition the U.S. and P.O.W./M.I.A. flags, were erected on Saturday, Aug. 19 next to the Wicomico Memorial VFW Post 10159.

Organizers of the Unity Day ceremony said they hope the display keeps alive the memory of VFW post members that died and reiterates the struggles of surviving veterans.

"We wanted to do something to show appreciation of fallen comrades, many of them who helped make our post what it is," said Thomas Kimball, a Vietnam-era veteran retired from the Navy. 

Dozens of veterans of foreign wars, from Vietnam to the War on Terror, attended the flag-raising ceremony with family members and guests from visiting VFW posts around the state and the Eastern Shore. A granite memorial marker was also dedicated on the 5,000 square-foot parcel.

Flags representing the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard, and one honoring prisoners of war and personnel missing in action join a U.S. flag on the parcel now.

"It was necessary to represent all the branches of the military, and this is putting the donated land to good use," said Kimball. 

The adjacent vacant lot on West Main Street was donated to the VFW post in January 2016 by Holly Worthington of the ERA Martin real estate firm, coinciding with the post's golden anniversary more than a year ago.

Worthington said the donation was in memory of her father, Parker Worthington, a Vietnam-era veteran.

Members of the VFW said they intended to use the small parcel for community and youth events. 

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On Saturday, barbecue chicken cooked on a grill outside as visitors tossed bean bags into cornholes. Some took shelter from the sun at a picnic lunch indoors.

Larry Simpson, who served in the Army during the Desert Storm conflict, said he hopes the flag display serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by all veterans.

"It's still hard to get benefits," said Simpson, quarter master at VFW Post 10159. "We want people to see the flags and remember the sacrifices by veterans and that we need our benefits."

Among visiting veterans were Brian Sturgis, a member of the VFW National Council and J.J. Everett, VFW Maryland Junior vice president.

"Anything for our veterans is important," said Sturgis, a retired Navy veteran who lives in Easton. "This is in memory of our past and our present. Veterans are under-recognized."

Veteran William Dennis sees a positive change in the public's attitude towards the armed forces.

"Maybe there was a time it wasn't, especially during the Vietnam era," said Dennis, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. "But today, members of the military are appreciated."

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