Emotions run high over memorial

By Christine Cullen
OC Today

Since then the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines (Md.) has grown from that single flag into a large site that evokes strong sentiments in both visitors and planners alike. The dedication ceremony to be held on Memorial Day, May 30 promises to be full of those powerful emotions, especially for those with a personal connection to the military.

Col. Walter Starck, USAF (Ret.), a World War II fighter pilot who will be raising the POW flag at the dedication, is delighted with the decision to build a veterans memorial in the area.

“It’s wonderful that a group of people have decided to develop this memorial here at Ocean Pines, which honors not only those in the military but also the civilian population that assisted them in getting the job done,” he said.

The importance of having a local memorial to honor war veterans was also expressed by retired Air Force Col. James Coyne, who will be raising the Air Force first flag.

“I think it’s a visible reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans both living and dead for the freedom of our country,” said Coyne. “It stands as a reminder day after day of that fact.”

Capt. A.F. Bridgman Jr., who will be raising the Coast Guard first flag at the dedication, noted how easy it is to forget the essential role played by the military.

“I think the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have reminded everybody of the sacrifices service people make, especially those in combat,” he said.

Coyne echoed this sentiment, saying that in times of war there is usually a growth of war memorials, and he expects to see more go up as the war on terror continues.

The excitement of the veterans with the memorial is matched by that of Roseann Bridgman, co-chairman of the Memorial Committee.

“It’s overwhelming; I can’t believe its actually happening,” she said.

Everyone involved in the dedication stressed the importance of the memorial to the community at large. Bridgman is amazed by the number of people she has met who have shared with her their personal stories and experiences with the military, including a woman who son was in the military and who died in a motorcycle accident.

All of the veterans taking part in the dedication feel a strong personal connection to the memorial, which stands as a reminder of their own time in the military. Starck said that he is touched that there is finally a memorial which “gives thanks for all of the effort that was put out to assure that we had a successful campaign.”

The gratitude of the community is also felt strongly by an appreciative Coyne.

“It touches my heart to see recognition by the community of my contribution to the freedom of this country,” he said.