Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Program honors veterans’ sacrifice BEULAH — Just days before Memorial Day, 19 volunteers and three employees at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery worked in the rain to place nearly 7,000 U.S. flags by the graves of our veterans. Their efforts showed that the many sacrifices made by those who served are not forgotten. On Tuesday, May 30, a Memorial Day observation was held in a gray mist at the cemetery in Beulah. Among the speakers was Denise Lovelady, community liaison for Congressman Andy Harris. She read a statement Rep. Harris made May 24 before the House of Representatives. “Over the course of our nation’s history, countless Marylanders have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom here at home, and to liberate others from tyranny abroad,” Ms. Lovelady read. “Since the War on Terror began in 2002, more than 135 Marylanders have died fighting for what they believe in. “Amidst the festivities and parades we will all enjoy, let us not lose sight of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform or the sacrifices made by the families they have left behind. These heroes and their families deserve the utmost respect, support and gratitude.” Ronnie James, chairman of the Maryland Veteran’s Cemetery Committee, asked those in attendance to remember the motto of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, “To Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.” James Marchinke, 1st vice commander for the Department of Maryland American Legion, was the guest speaker at the remembrance. He repeated the oath of service he took 36 years ago when he was 19 years old. “I was choosing to be willing to lay down my life to protect the freedoms so many take for granted,” Mr. Marchinke said. “I have served my country at home and abroad. As a veteran, I never underestimate the power of this oath. I live everyday knowing that, along with countless others, I have a distinction that will continue to live long after we have passed. We are the history makers.” Although Mr. Marchinke is retired from the military, he continues to serve by offering employment services to other veterans, old and young. He said that he, like many other veterans, continues to honor his oath. “I am proud to be a veteran,” Mr. Marchinke said. “Many have transferred to posts everlasting serving this great nation. After serving in uniform, we as veterans continue to serve in one capacity or another, in order to serve our comrades and our communities. Those who have passed on are remembered for their dedication of service, their commitment to mission and their love of country. Let us never hesitate to complete the mission in uniform or as civilians.”