The Potomac Kiwanis Club Presents 2nd Annual Armed Forces Day Dinner on May 15th ; Honors Wounded Warriors

Photo Album and Article by PG Bob Cressy (U.S. Army Artillery Veteran)

The month of May was Armed Forces month in United States where the millions of veterans and active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guard and merchant marines are honored for their service throughout the world. The focus for celebrations is Armed Forces Day itself, May 15th, and Armed Forces Weekend where Joint Services Open House Shows are held at many military instillations.

The Kiwanis Club of Potomac, Maryland, has a high percentage of U.S. military veterans, plus family members of veterans and active duty military service personnel. In the young club's history, this is the second annual Armed Forces Day Dinner entitled "An Evening Honoring The United States Armed Forces". There were six special 'wounded warriors' guests of honor from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts attending, who are now at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda. By the way, published photos of them are not permitted.

The evening began with 'refreshments' and a video "Tribute to the Soldier", followed by the Presentation of the Colors by Kennedy High School ROTC, singing our National Anthem, then a rousing Armed Forces Medley of Service Songs and a musical medially by the U.S. Naval Academy Brass Quintet.

The program was begun by an Invocation followed by the traditional military family presentation of a "Place for the Missing Man". This is for those veterans who are no longer with us ... those killed in action, or Missing In Action, POWs, and those comrades who have passed. The small table with its white table cloth is set for one. But no one sits in the chair. No one dines. No one drinks from the inverted wine glass. No one lights the candle. No one reads from the Bible. No one smells the roses. A silent toast is offered to the Missing Man. (Please see the photo.) It is a very moving ceremony, especially for those who have lost family and friends.

The dinner event was held at the Kenwood Country Club. The featured speaker was Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command. His command is responsible for supporting all services and the DOD transporting logistical supplies throughout the world, principally through the sixty-two ships in his command. This includes food, clothing, shelter, weapons and ammunitions, fuel, maintenance parts ... in short everything our forces depend on to carry out their mission. It is important to understand the awesome responsibility our Armed Forces have which remind us that in the words etched on the Korea Memorial in Washington, DC, "Freedom Is Not Free", either in lives or treasure.

Please see the brief 'photo essay' with this story. While many club members participated in organizing the tribute, the chair person was Jerry Joseph, a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran, USN Captain (Ret.) Michael Cronin as Master of Ceremonies, and Kiwanis Club of Potomac President Aaron Ferrufino. The Club deeply appreciates the many interclub attendees from Division 17 Kiwanis Clubs.

To all, "Thank You For Your Service" to your country!

P.S. Also held that weekend was the "The Joint Services Open House - 2010" at Andrews AFB near Washington where a huge inter-service display of aircraft and the USN Blues Angles performed their air show. Thanks to them, also! Please plan to attend a tribute near you next year. Support Your Troops.