VFW, Crowd Honors Returning Soldiers

CAPE MAY – VFW Peterson-Little Post 386 was the place to be June 6 as friends, family, neighbors and dignitaries turned out to welcome some hometown soldiers back from Afghanistan. Five returning soldiers were invited to receive the community’s thanks and four were able to attend the ceremony.
Present for awards and gifts were Tim Durstewitz, William Omrod, Benjamin Stiefel and Andrew Haungs. Samuel Allay was unable to attend. Durstewitz said the group had arrived back in New Jersey May 18, after a one-year deployment.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local Boys Scouts of America Troop 73, the ceremony began with recognition of those who have not come home. A representative of the NAM Knights of America, Jersey Coast Chapter, called the attention of all to the POW/MIA table, a table set for one. The single setting “symbolizes one person alone against his oppressors.”
The table encompasses a variety of symbols including the slice of lemon for the bitter fate of the POW, the salt representing tears and the lone candle symbolizing the light of hope.
Following that somber moment, the agenda was filled with plaques and proclamations. Tables organized for each returning soldier and family filled the room as representatives of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary, along with state, county and municipal governments all had presentations. The message was consistent throughout: “Thank you for what you have done and welcome home.”
Some of the speakers included Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st), Assemblymen Samuel Fiocchi (R-1st) and Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st), County Clerk Rita Fulginiti, Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck, Cape May City Council member Shaine Meier.
The soldiers arrived in a motorcade, which included a fire truck from Town Bank Fire Company and a police escort provided by Cape May City Police Capt. Robert Sheehan.
An array of food filled the buffet tables and an over 50-pound multilayer cake was provided by A Piece of Cake.
While all speakers praised the servicemen, Beck added a thought that should never go unmentioned. He thanked the assembled families and pointed out to those in attendance the often-unobserved sacrifices that families make when a soldier serves.
For all, the day’s festivities had a simple and straightforward purpose, to make sure that those soldiers and their families know that the community appreciates their sacrifices and is thrilled to have them safely home.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.