THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 30, 1995 TAG: 9506010632
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
For many it was simply a day off from work or school, the unofficial opening day of summer and an excuse to crank up the grill. But for veterans in Hampton Roads and across the country, Memorial Day means much more.
``It should be treated with reverence,'' said David Prine of Virginia Beach, who served in the Navy in Vietnam. ``It's important to remember the people who died to keep us safe and free.''
Prine joined other veterans and their families Monday at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial for A Day of Remembrance and Thankfulness. While honoring the countless soldiers who served and who were killed in wars, many there stressed the importance of remembering what the day is all about.
``I think it's a shame,'' Prine said about how some people brush off the day. ``It's important to remember the people who went before us. What happened before could happen again.''
Karl Kenney, who served from 1965 to 1969 in Vietnam, agreed. Everyone should recognize both the living veterans and those who did not come back from war, he said.
``Granted, it's a day off,'' Kenney, of Norfolk, said. ``But I look forward to this every year.''
The main speaker, U.S. Rep. Owen B. Pickett, a Democrat who represents parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, reminded the crowd that this year is the 50th anniversary of the ending of World War II. That war, he said, brought the hope of peace to the nation.
``This is a day to remember the brave men and women whose supreme sacrifice has made America safe and strong,'' Pickett said.
During the ceremony, Virginia Beach Postmaster Donald T. Coats unveiled the new POW-MIA postage stamp, which shows a blowing flag and a set of dog tags inscribed with the words: ``POW & MIA, Never Forgotten.''
Thirteen men from former Oceana High School, who were killed in service, were honored during the laying of wreaths.
Bob Harris of Suffolk said the service was an excellent tribute to his fellow soldiers and others who are gone. ``That's what it's all about,'' said Harris, who served in the Navy in Vietnam. ``It's just outstanding; you just can't beat it.''
Harris' fiancee, Marsha Hindes of Chesapeake, said she was pleased that the ceremony had a nice turnout. ``It's good to see people come out and participate, to show people respect,'' she said.
The ceremony was capped off with a flyover by vintage and modern military aircraft while the U.S. Atlantic Fleet Navy Band played a medley of U.S. armed forces tunes.
The program was spearheaded by the Mayor's Veterans Committee. William Myers Sr., one of the chief organizers, said it was designed to get more young people to think about the roles veterans have played in shaping the country.
``I think it went fine,'' Myers said. ``We tried to get the youth involved, to teach them about patriotism.''
Stanton Teitelman, who was active in the Air Force during the Korean War era, said many people have lost pride in their country. Memorial Day, he said, is a time to especially remember that.
``I think we should be a little more patriotic,'' Teitelman, of Virginia Beach, said. ``This is our country. People should be proud they are American.'' by CNB