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On D-Day anniversary, Marion County veterans thanked for their service

Times West Virginian - 6/7/2017

June 07--FAIRMONT -- As Marion County Commission President Ernie VanGilder said Tuesday, "Freedom is not free."

On the anniversary of D-Day, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 45 and other local veteran organizations honored Marion County veterans for all that they have done with an appreciation dinner at Palatine Park.

The men and women of the armed forces, no matter the branch of service or what conflict they were in, have fought and continue to fight for the freedom of the citizens of the United States.

"If it weren't for you folks, you brave men and women, I certainly couldn't have had the life that I have been able to enjoy and the life my children have been able to enjoy," Delegate Mike Caputo, D-Marion, said.

Caputo added that his father was a World War II veteran.

"One thing my brother and I grew up loving was our country. We grew up loving our flag, and we knew what family was all about," he said. "We knew we couldn't have had anything if it wasn't for the bravery of the men and women from our country (and) our state that fought wars all across the globe to make sure that we can enjoy the freedom that we have today.

"There is no way that we would be able to assemble where we are today; there is no way we would be able to be speaking over the microphone that we are today; and there is no way we could stand in protest if need be if it weren't for the bravery of you veterans."

Caputo ended by saying no one deserves the appreciation dinner more than the veterans.

"This is your day, and no one deserves it more then the brave men and women who made our country the greatest country in the world," he added.

During his remarks, VanGilder talked about the history of D-Day -- June 6, 1944.

"Operation Neptune was a part of a larger operation called Operation Overlord," he said. "American fatalities, 2,499; allied fatalities, 1,914; wounded, over 6,000. This day 156,000 men stormed the beaches of Normandy (France) -- Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha -- 4,413 men paid the ultimate price that day for our freedom."

VanGilder also shared the words of a mother of a newly inducted Marine and how it has changed her son's life.

In her letter she wanted to share with those who have sons or daughters at boot camp what she has found.

"When my son left home, he had no motivation. He was lazy, slobby, no pride (and) no self worth" she said. "This is the boy that got (on) the bus March 18 at Parris Island. The man I met on Thursday for Parents Day is awesome.

"There is no way I could describe to all of you the difference. He looks different; he walks different; he talks different; he has such a sense of bearing and pride. All I could do was look at him in awe."

She added that they are taught to be warriors, but they are also taught better values, better morales and better manners, and she cannot thank the Marine Corps enough for what they have done for her son.

World War II veteran Bernadine Linn, who served for 19 months in Germany from 1944 to 1946, said he enjoyed Tuesday's appreciation dinner.

"This is a big crowd -- I never knew there was that many veterans (in Marion County)," he said.

Just three months shy of his 93rd birthday, Linn said he is well except for his feet. He added that he was mowing his five acres of land before coming to the appreciation dinner.

When talking about his service, Linn said, "I escaped everything."

He added that he just loved the Army even though a lot of people didn't.

"I would go again if I had the chance," he said.

Also during the event, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by retired Sgt. Maj. George Belloni. Franchesca Aloi sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Traveling Soldier." David Tucker, who served in the military for 25 years, cited the poem "Old Ragged Flag." Jaylynn Starsick sang "God Bless the USA."

Belloni; Kip Price, co-coordinator of the event; D.D. Meighen; retired Sgt. first class Kenny Satterfield; Kami Elliott, commander of the VFW Post 7048; and Cpl. Columbus Carpenter coordinated the event after months of planning.

Email Kelsie LeRose at klerose@timeswv.com.

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