Honoring our great Veterans is just as much as an obligation as it is a right; an obligation because of the freedoms and values we possess, and a right because it is one of the many rights we enjoy that were purchased with sacrifice.
While large displays of gratitude and national pomp and circumstance are well-deserved and well-received, there’s something to be said about grassroots community efforts to ensure that the men and women who have served our country are forever honored and remembered.
A local business did just that on Saturday morning.
O.B. Davis Funeral Home on Middle Country Road in Centereach dedicated a monument at their flagpole on the front lawn of the building. A windy, rainy morning quickly turned to peaceful blue skies as the invocation was given, the monument was announced, and the volley of rifle fire sounded throughout Centereach.
The event was organized by O.B. Davis manager Ralph Ferrera and commemorated by the Commander and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #4927 of Centereach.
Ferrera began the ceremony by stating that this flagpole monument has been installed since the COVID-19 Pandemic, but restrictions during the virus delayed a proper dedication.
“Prior to COVID, we decided that it would be nice to have a dedication to those who have served our country, those that are currently in the military, and those that will serve in the future,” said Ferrera. “Now that we have returned to normal, it’s time that we have this occasion.”
Ferrara invoked the words of President Ronald Reagan to paint just how important the sacrifices for our country are in the long-term:
“President Ronald Reagan said ‘Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in our bloodstream, it must be fought for, it must be protected, and handed on to do the same. You and I have a rendezvous with destiny; we will preserve thee for our children, the last best hope on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first steps into a thousands years of darkness. If we fail, at least our children and our children’s children will say that we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.’”
In his own words, Ferrara expressed his own gratitude and the respect that O. B. Davis Funeral Home pays to our Veterans:
“I am pleased today to bear witness to this dedication as a constant reminder that we must always remember that we enjoy our freedoms because of the selflessness of many who gave of themselves so that we may enjoy our lives here,” said Ferrera.
Father Joseph performed an invocation, blessing, and prayer for military members past, current, and future.
Father Joseph then read Psalm 27:3-4: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in His temple.”
Leah Fitzpatrick spoke as a representative from Suffolk Legislator Nick Caracappa’s (Fourth District) (C-Selden) office.
“I would like to thank you all for inviting the Legislator to speak and giving me the privilege to speak on his behalf,” said Fitzpatrick. “As Legislator Caracappa is the Chair of the Veterans Committee, this is truly a great honor for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I know that this is a very important monument and I thank you for installing this in our town. It’s beautiful that those who visit can pay honor and tribute to those who made that sacrifice.”
Fitzpatrick presented Ferrera and the funeral home a certificate on behalf of the Suffolk County Legislature.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) of the Twelfth District gave a brief speech and honored the Veterans in attendance.
“I realize the importance of a monument to our Veterans,” said Kennedy. “My father was a World War II Veteran, and he taught me the value of public service and what our Veterans do.”
Kennedy then recalled a story from her childhood when President John F. Kennedy visited the Long Island Arena. The ensuing parade featured a number of military factions, but the final group of men marched in what she described as “well-used fatigues.” She asked her father why they were not dressed as formally as the other servicemen, and her father explained what the military does and what was happening in Vietnam at the time.
“I developed from that conversation, a good two or three hours, a respect for the men and women who serve us,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy then spoke to the members of the VFW in attendance at the ceremony.
“There have been times when the Veterans have not been treated well – not just Vietnam – but other times when the respect that you all deserve has not been given to you,” said Kennedy. “During a legislative session, someone asked ‘what have the Veterans done for you?’ But I stood up in a legislative session and said that none of us would be sitting here if our Veterans did not stand up for us first. We would not be living in a free country; we would not have everything we have now. I am thankful and I will stand up for the Veterans no matter what. I am thankful to be here. God bless you all.”
Commander Jim McCain of VFW Post #4927 then gave the final speech before the dedication.
“We’ve been part of this community since 1945,” said McCain. “I would like to thank Ralph and O.B. Davis Funeral Home for inviting our Post to help dedicate this monument. This monument will honor all of our Veterans who served our country in times of peace and war. Let us always remember that.”
The speeches were concluded by a three-rifle volley, a ceremony done in remembrance of the fallen. The three cartridges are seen as symbols of duty, honor, and sacrifice.
The inscription on the monument reads: “Dedicated to the men and women of our armed forces past, present, and future. Your sacrifices are not to be forgotten.”
The Messenger thanks all our great Veterans who have served, are serving, and will serve in future. We also wholeheartedly thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and we hope and pray that they are never forgotten and that their sacrifices were not given in vain.
The monument can be seen at the base of the flagpole facing the main entrance to O.B. Davis Funeral Home on Middle Country Road in Centereach.
