ROCKLAND — It almost didn’t come together this year, had it not been for civilians willing to step in. At least for another year, those who didn’t come home, and those who weren’t thanked for their service, will not be forgotten on Memorial Day, or their sacrifices taken in vain in Rockland.

For many years, the Rockland chapter of the American Legion organized the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Chapman Park. This year’s Master of Ceremonies, Walker Hutchins, thanked them for pulling the event together for so many years.

This year, they feel bad and frustrated for being unable to provide an honor guard and flag details, according to Hutchins. But, this time around, they just didn’t have the participation.

“I couldn’t help but think, the other day as I was driving down Route 1,” said Hutchins. “These flashing signs in every town that you go through, advertising that the police department needs people to apply -- just like the American Legion needs veterans to get involved. I would ask you, if you are a veteran, if you have not availed yourself of the wonderful group at the American Legion, you need to be doing so, so that that effort can continue in our community.”

Walkers’ statement produced applause from within the crowd of 40 or so spectators who attended the May 29, 2023, 11 a.m., ceremony. The older veterans in the crowd, and their families, want the help. They want to see the Legion continue.

This year, instead of the color guard or Russ Wolferitz or a large number of decorated veterans, it was individuals – audience members of past ceremonies – who took the microphone. Along with speakers Hutchins and Mayor Louise Maclellan-Ruf, students from Oceanside Middle School recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang The Star Spangled Banner and My Country Tis of Thee. Pvt. Patrick Blum left his seat in the Bay Winds North ensemble in order to recite a poem, and his brother, Chris Blum of the U.S. Army, played taps as part of a two-person trumpet medley with bandmate Teri Crockett. Theodore Benner Jr, who served two tours of duty in the U.S. Army, lay the wreath near the names of Rockland’s civil war soldiers, Rob Gabe led an opening convocation, and Deacon Bob Cleveland led a prayer granting the living some measure of consolation that the void left by the deceased can be filled within those left behind.

Yet, Veterans are still active, as MacLellan-Ruf reminded the crowd. She spoke of several years ago when a group of veterans feared the future neglect and deterioration of a civil war memorial located in a bad spot on a blind hill on Talbot Avenue.

Mike McNeil, constructional electrician, 2nd Class Navy CV, led an operative mission with a code name of “moving day.” Veterans all across the country wanted the memorial moved to a place of reverence, respect, and acknowledgment, according to MacLellan-Ruf. Each attempt was foiled, and was hit with many roadblocks.

“McNeil knew that timing would be everything to have a successful mission,” she said. “He needed his ducks in a row.”

He connected with a civilian who could convince Council that the war memorial needed relocation. Once approved, veterans and their families brought in a crane. Under a rising sun, the monument was moved and the mission was completed.

“That is a wonderful story of what the vets continue to do for all that have gone before them, all that have served, and for that, I am very very grateful,” said MacLellan-Ruf

Along with veterans and families, the ceremony was also attended by on-duty members of the Rockland Police and Fire Departments, as well as Knox County Commissioner Ed Glaser.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com