Wilmington Kiwanis Armed Forces Day

by Rosemary Cummings

For the 50th consecutive year, Wilmington Kiwanis Club celebrated Armed Forces Day May 12 at the Hotel DuPont. The event was sheer precision, as every Military event should be, from the opening introductions, the posting of colors, to the message of the Guest Speaker BGen Hugh Broomall who had fond memories of passing the hotel wondering what all those Kiwanians in there were doing. Major General Francis Vavala presented Special Unit Awards to the 166th Maintenance Group and the 72nnd Troop Command. The Middletown HS Jr. ROTC posted and retired the colors. Captain Andrew Werner gave the Invocation and the Benediction. President-elect Dave Wilson in a Special Program gave tribute to Frank Hayes and recently deceased PLG Paul Miller, who previously arranged the celebration. Club Secretary David O'Connell read a stirring and sometimes humorous rendition of the Young Soldier's Letter Home poem he received from Paul Miller. The Armed Forces band played TAPS to remember the fallen service men and women. Kiwanian Art Eppihimer led the singing of God Bless America adding to the dignity of the ceremonies. Everyone was amazed, pleased and noted how, like clockwork the ceremony and meal lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. Wilmington Kiwanians coming together as team made this a very special day for all who had the privilege to attend, including a contingency of Pas Lt. Governors from the Pennsylvania District in West Chester and my guests and I - made the drive well worth it - to see this Distinguished Club of 91 years doing what it does best - recognizing the military and civic leaders of our community, as the Club serves their community and the children of the world. Thank you, Wilmington Kiwanis Club for a Job Well Done.