Veteran to other veterans: Share your stories
More than 100 people attended VFW Post 7447’s annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.
Dave Diefenderfer, VFW Post 7447 commander and active member of the Navy, began the ceremony with a brief history on the origins of Veterans Day – how it was called Armistice Day from 1921-54 until President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming it Veterans Day.
Diefenderfer thanked all the veterans in attendance. Courage demands sacrifice, and that was done by the veterans, he said.
Diefenderfer also recognized the active members of the military, who, he said, are on multiple fronts around the world. It’s a difficult time, with many challenges, he said.
The keynote speaker was retired Navy Commander Sean Galbraith, who lives in Newark and served as a shipmate of Diefenderfer. He encouraged veterans to share stories of their service.
“Share your stories,” he said. “And if you know someone who can no longer share their stories, share their stories for them. Let all know the amazing things that were accomplished while serving for the greatest military in the world.”
Galbraith, who trained in the Navy’s nuclear power program, said it was the first time in 37 years he was not an active member of the military.
“I’m proud to now be a part of a select group of 16 million people. I am a veteran,” he said.
