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American Legion Post 28 reminds people to never forget

COVID-19 pandemic does not deter members from honoring 9/11 victims
Members of the Post 28 Honor Guard show the proper way to fold the U.S. flag. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
Ron MacArthur
September 17, 2020

Because of restrictions placed on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many area events have been canceled or have taken place virtually.

But Oak Orchard-Riverdale American Post 28 members believe strongly in honoring victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and decided to have their annual candlelight ceremony. “It's one day that can never be forgotten,” said Beth McGinn, emcee and Post 28 Auxiliary Poppy Day chairwoman.

Featured speaker, 17-year-old Dorothy McCormick, said in tough times, Americans come together as a family. That spirit spread after the Sept. 11 attacks and has resurfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Now more than ever, we need the American spirit. If America can unite through the ashes and fear of Sept. 11, we can unite six feet apart,” McCormick said.

McCormick is a 2020 Delaware American Legion oratorical contest winner.

The ceremony, held as the sun set over the Post 28 outdoor pavilion, included the Post 28 Honor Guard and the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums unit. Taking part in the ceremony were Auxiliary Unit 28 member Margaret Hopkins, opening prayer; Unit 28 junior member Makenzie Mood, Pledge of Allegiance; Legion officer and Home of the Brave director Greg Fuller, national anthem; Post 28 Past Commander Lee Glasco and Unit 28 Auxiliary Vice President June Jones, POW/MIA remembrance ceremony; Auxiliary Department President Debbie Guenther and Unit 28 junior members Riley and Skyler Schmidt, presentation of the 9/11 Freedom Flag; and Judy Mangini, “God Bless America.”

 

The Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums take part in the Sept. 11 ceremony at American Legion Post 28 in Long Neck.
Bob and Janie Mericsko of Frankford stand in silence during a candlelight ceremony for Sept. 11 victims.
A large crowd gathers under the American Legion Post 28 pavilion for the annual Sept. 11 candlelight ceremony.
As the sun sets, the Post 28 U.S. flag hangs at half-staff in honor of Sept. 11 victims.
Beth McGinn, American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary poppy chairwoman, serves as emcee of the event.
American Legion Chapter 28 Post 28 Honor Guard marches in to begin the Sept. 11 ceremony at the Long Neck post.
Margaret Hopkins, Post 28 Auxiliary member, offers an opening prayer.
Post 28 Auxiliary junior member Makenzie Mood leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greg Fuller, American Legion officer and Home of the Brave director, sings the national anthem.
American Legion officers salute the flag during a Sept. 11 ceremony at Post 28.
Lee Glasco, left, Post 28 past commander, and June Jones, American Legion Auxiliary vice president, prepare the table in honor of prisoners and war and those missing in action.
Post 28 Past Commander Lee Glasco says, “We cannot forget that dating back to the Vietnam War, nearly 82,700 U.S. military personnel are still missing.”
June Jones, Post 28 Auxiliary vice president, holds up a U.S. flag in honor of those missing in action.
Dorothy McCormick, 2020 Delaware American Legion oratorical winner, says during tough times, Americans unite like a family.
American Legion Department President Debbie Guenther explains the history and meaning of the 9/11 Freedom Flag being displayed by junior members Riley and Skyler Schmidt.
As candles are lit, Judy Mangini ends the ceremony with her rendition of “God Bless America.”
The American Legion Post 28 Honor Guard fires a final salute in honor of those who perished during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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