DEL HAVEN – Wind from Delaware Bay waved flags briskly Oct. 23 as Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44 held a patriotic observance. The 16th annual flag retirement ceremony at Cape May County Park South was also the setting for the presentation of several awards.
Top honor was the Patriot of the Year Award. That was given to Fred Trasatti, a decorated veteran and member, who serves as hospital van coordinator. In that role, Trasatti assures that veterans are scheduled for transportation to physicians and other medical appointments by the chapter’s van.
Trasatti was lauded by chapter Commander Sam Carter, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, (R-2nd), Sen. Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (both D-1st), Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, Middle Township Mayor Michael Clark along with Committee members Jeffrey DeVico and Timothy Donohue.
Essay Winners
For members of the chapter’s Auxiliary, the event afforded an opportunity to present awards to patriotic essay winners from Sandman Consolidated School.
Theme of the contest was “What the American Flag Means to Me.”
First place winner, Allison Walsh read her entry. It drew acclaim for all speakers who followed her for touching a patriotic nerve, respect for the nation’s flag.
Third place winner Desiree Cady and Honorable Mention winner Renata Riesenberg received their awards from Auxiliary Commander Helen Gray, assisted by Adjutant Eleanor Chestnut. Second place winner Marcella Mogavera was absent.
Flag Retirement
Capt. Owen Gibbons, commanding officer, Coast Guard Training Center Cape May spoke briefly of the preparation recruits receive as they enter the sea service, and how that duty serves a patriotic purpose protecting and serving the nation as well as saving lives.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ceremonial Detail provided flag holders and a musician to play “Taps.”
Knights of Columbus Stella Maris Chapter 3546, Erma, led by Grand Knight Daniel Gilliam Jr. presented the ceremonial flag for retirement.
As veterans held that flag, it was reverently severed, stripe by stripe, and burned.
The final star was presented by DAV officer John Barr to Carter for proper burial by the chapter headquarters across Bayshore Road from the Cape May County Park South.
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