It was not only large towns that paused Monday to honor those who fought and died in America’s Armed Services. Small towns also held services…including the one in Westville with its population of 3,300. The town may be small, but the service is one which makes those involved and live there proud.
Dale Shannon, Past Commander of American Legion Post 51 in Westville, reminded the crowd that America remains strong.
‘’The will and moral courage of free men and women is a weapon that we as Americans have that no other arsenal in the world does have. Let it be understood that those who practice terrorism and prey upon their neighbors – and the enemies of freedom, and those who are potential adversaries – they will be reminded that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We do not negotiate for it. We sacrifice for it. We will not surrender for it – now or ever,’’ said Shannon.
And Shannon says it is only fitting that those who sacrificed their lives for our nation never be forgotten.
‘’We should never, ever forget them. Anything you do in your life today, you have to say ‘thank-you’ to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.’’
Westville’s Zamberletti Park – where Monday’s memorial service took place – is the home of a monument listing names of those who have served dating back to World War I.
The ceremony included the firing of shots and playing of Taps by the Westville American Legion Post 51 Honor Guard. It also included a fly-over. The Westville ceremony took place as others occurred around the area, including one at the National Cemetery in Danville.
