ALONG WITH our veterans, the men and women serving in America’s Armed Forces are one of our greatest assets. They are a major component for keeping the phrase, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” alive and well. There is no truer dedication that an individual can make to their country.
Our recent visit to Ocean City’s Boardwalk Honor Banners was a heart felt experience. The names on the banners draped along the boardwalk vowed to protect not only their own families, but everyone else in this great country. Many of these individuals made the ultimate sacrifice. In today’s international turmoil, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces are ready to lay down their lives at the drop of a pin.
On May 23, 2014, Ocean City’s Elks Veterans Committee introduced its Hometown Heroes Banner Program. Once implemented, the banners began to wave in the sweeping winds coming off the magnificent Atlantic Ocean.
Thanks to the Mayor and town council {2014}, the program has been a complete success. Each banner provides a uniformed photo of a Worcester County individual who served in the Armed Forces. It also includes their name, rank and given service.
The honorees highlighted in this particular article served in the Vietnam and the Cold War eras. Although, there were many other honorees who served in various foreign wars as well.
The Banner Program was funded solely by local businesses, Fraternal Organizations, and citizens donations. This in turn meant that the honorees had no out-of-pocket expense. Which is the way it should be.
Several parents started to submit their sons and daughters names to be honored. Robert Terlizzi is one of those proud parents. His son, “Terry B. Hill, U.S. Army” is an honoree on one of the banners displayed along the 9-plus blocks.
Phyllis Purnell’s son, “Terrence Purnell, Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army” was another local honoree who served his country proudly. She supports the Elks Veterans Committee’s commitment to not letting the community and it’s visitors forget our veteran’s undying commitment to this country.
Mrs. Purnell believes that our children are the future of America. She went on to say that it takes a village to raise a child. With that said, Ocean City’s residents and businesses owners have without a doubt, stepped up to the task. More communities need to take note.
The banners shown were taken when we were shooting photos and video for a few predetermined assignments. At the time, I just happened to look up and notice the banners. Without thinking about it, I took as many photos as possible. I had no immediate plans of writing a third travel article but again, we are always looking for a good story and this was it!
After publishing both Ocean City travel articles, I got to thinking about the Boardwalk Honor Banners. Instead of them ending up on the production floor, why not create a celebrative storyline! When “You, Me and The Dock” decided to create this fabulous article, America needed a patriotic shot in the arm and this is exactly what the doctor ordered.
This particle article doesn’t have the typical pictures of swaying palm trees, tropical foliage, shimmering water or towering mountains. The dialog also doesn’t describe a relaxing or leisure adventure with iconic landmarks that we normally write about. However, what it does talk about is the celebration of the individuals who sacrificed their lives for this great country. America wouldn’t have what we enjoy on a daily basis without these men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. God bless them all!
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
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