It’s History: Ocean City Dedicates New War Memorial Plaque
FIFTY YEARS AGO, November 11, 1970, Ocean City’s annual Veterans Day ceremonies began at 10:30am with the raising of the American flag over Veterans Memorial Park. The honor of raising the flag went to World War I veterans Jack G. Jernee and Harold S. Paris.
Joseph Frain, commander of the United Veterans Council, and Ed Cornman, adjutant, organized the program, which opened with the Ocean City High School band playing patriotic music.
The invocation was given by the Rev. Joseph McCauley, pastor of Our Lady of Good Council Roman Catholic Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Maurice Blizzard, commander of Ferguson-Foglio Post 6650 VFW.
World War Honor Roll was dedicated.
The highlight of this special day was the dedication of a new plaque attached to the 50-year-old World War I stone monument. Mayor Robert L. Sharp read the inscription on the bronze plaque: “In grateful memory to the men and women from this community who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during any wars and a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives in the services of their country.” Gordon Smith, past commander of the United Veterans Council, placed a wreath at the base of the monument.
The following Ocean City men who died in the service of America were remembered on Veterans Day:
World War I– Wesley R. Cordery. Lawrence Russell Henry, Nicholas Impaliazzo, Abram N. Morgan, Elmer E. Ranck.
World War II– Seymour Arnold, Norman Blackman, Robert M. Breckley, William Blair, Arthur M. Bryan, Edward Clark, Harry P. Clark, John Collins, William Fehrle, Edgar Ferguson, Richard H. Fife, Joseph A. Foglio, Harry V. Fraser, Robert Fullager, Edmund Eliason Jr., John R. Groves, Allen S. Herring, Bertram Hillman Jr., Hugh A. Jack, Delbert James, Raymond L. Jones, Edward J. Lawson, Delmar J. Leach, Peter P. Migliaccio, John M. Mintzer, Edgar D. Morris Jr., Byron Nichols, John O’Brien, Anthony Paone Jr., Robert G. Powell, Harry G. Ross, Oliver Sack, Charles E. Selby, James M. Stevens Jr., Harold C. Sumpter, Harry Thorpe Jr., J. Richard Townsend, Stanley C. Townsend, Thomas H. Turner, John C. Watchko.
Korean War–Robert N. Barnett, John C. Miner, Melvin A. Schmatz, Kent W. Stinger.
Cold War– Alfred E. Senior Jr.
Vietnam War– Willie E. Granger, William R. Godfrey, George F. Long, John C. Martin, Bruce M. Miley, Jon R. Morvay, Charles W. Sterling, Robert A. Woodrow.