Generations Join to Honor the Fallen

Generations began their Memorial Day morning Monday, May 25, at Palms Woodlawn Cemetery.

The annual event from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Arrant-Smith Post 4127 and the VFW Auxiliary was supported by John G. Salley American Legion Post 43, the Military Affairs Council (MAC), staff of Caballero Rivero Palms Woodlawn, South Florida Trail Riders, the Swamp Donkeys Equestrian Drill Team and others to honor veterans who lie in known graves here or around the globe, as well as some who remain unknown.

Recognition of their sacrifices was acknowledged in part of the remarks by Matt Ochmanski, commander of VFW Post 4127.

“Wherever the body of a comrade lies, the ground is hallowed.”

Miami-Dade Commissioner Kionne McGhee, Homestead Mayor Steven Losner, councilmembers Larry Roth and Kim Konsky, and City Manager Nzeribe “Zerry” Ihekwaba were among those in the large crowd. Boy Scout Troops 69 and 78 were in support as always.

Cadet Capt. Morten Krebbs, Cadet 1st Lt. Jonathan Oatmeyer and Cadet 2nd Lt. Juan Guevara from the Civil Air Patrol Homestead Air Reserve Base Squadron performed the solemn task of raising the flag and lowering it to half-staff.

Different groups and individuals chose to give part of their day each year, and 10 students from Valor and Unity at Hialeah Senior High School attended for the first time.

Kevin Hernandez explained why they were present.

“My parents immigrated from Cuba and they taught me love of this country.”

As a sophomore, he realized too many people thought young people no longer felt a sense of patriotism, so he established the group. He will be leaving for college after graduation and, based on the enthusiasm these students demonstrated, Valor and Unity is likely to continue.

After opening remarks, Phil Stam, who has spoken in the past, used the Rolling Stones song “Sympathy for the Devil” to make thought-provoking comments about the danger of turning away from the hard work necessary to maintain what veterans through the centuries have fought for.

The lyrics, “Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a man of wealth and taste. I’ve been around for a long, long years, stole million man’s soul and faith,” are persuasive.

Stam agreed it can be easy to give into notions of inaction and indifference. This is why it is vital to “volunteer, vote, and ignite the love of freedom in your children.”

Mayor Losner strengthened those comments.

“Our second greatest enemy is forgetting the sacrifices our men and women made to give us our freedoms. I commend the young people here today because you will carry on.”

VFW Commander Ochmanski once more touched on not only the commitment to fallen comrades, but also supporting Gold Star families who pay a price in losing their loved ones and experience sorrow that does not disappear.

He related a passage from a chaplain who gave a service for a friend.

“The person that passes on will never die as long as you say their name.”

“We are here for those who answered the call from Bunker Hill to Baghdad,” said American Legion Commander Nimark. “Tyrannical regimes have been toppled and genocides stopped because of Americans willing to step up.”

He also urged everyone to pass these values on to their children.

With remarks concluded, Elizabeth Torres of the VFW Auxiliary placed the red, white and blue wreath in front of the Veterans Monument.

Three others in turn placed a white rose for purity, a red rose for those who have fallen in defense of the United States of America and a blue rose for eternity on top of the monument.

Crystal Schnebly returned for the second year to present the historic “Riderless Horse” with a pair of boots reversed in the stirrups.

The tradition dates to the 18th century and symbolizes the rider who will never ride his mount again.

In a “story within a story,” Schnebly’s previous horse recently passed away and this was the first time she used the saddle since then. An added element was that she brought Casino, a Leopard Appaloosa, from Texas to give him a new home.

She had learned his 18-year-old owner tragically died and after seven years, the young man’s mother decided the horse should be with someone who would care for him in the same way her son had.

The haunting notes of “Taps” closed the formal part of the ceremony.

Volunteers were given small American flags and dispersed to place them at veterans’ gravesites.

Everyone was later invited to the VFW for lunch.

The Homestead Veterans of Foreign Wars Arrant-Smith Post 4127 is located at 601 NE 2nd Road in Homestead. For more information, call 305-245-4535 or email vfw4127@yahoo.com.