Combined Veterans Alliance at NSB&PA Meeting

Yesterday, Thursday, November 13, in honor of Veterans Day, the Newtown Square Business & Professional Association invited the Marple Newtown Combined Veterans Alliance to speak before their group meeting at the Newtown Square Pizzeria Uno. The Alliance, which is comprised of General Smedley D. Butler Detachment 741of the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 805, and VFW Post 7390 gave a presentation based on the Honors they provide at graveside for deceased veterans.

Earle Drake of the Gen. Butler Detachment introduced the veterans which included Steve Quinn, a member of the Business and Professional Association and the current Commandant of the Upper Darby Detachment of the Marine Corps League and Larry Snyder, the American Legion Commander. Commander Snyder gave an overview of the graveside ceremony. The Commander was followed by Ben Sides of the Gen. Butler Detachment, the Honor Guard Chairman, who went into more detail of what occurs graveside to honor the deceased veteran and her or his family. After Marine Sides concluded his portion of the presentation, Commander Snyder of the American Legion and he demonstrated how the Flag is folded and presented at graveside. John McComb, the American Legion Senior Vice Commandant, then recited the First World War poem “In Flanders Field”.

The Marple Newtown Combined Veterans Alliance has provided in excess of 3000 graveside Honors ceremonies since its inception.

In the photo, L-R, are: Dick Pound, president, NSB&PA; Steve Quinn, member of the NSB&PA and Commandant of the Upper Darby Detachment, MCL; Ben Sides, Honor Guard Chairman, of the GSDB Detachment, MCL; Larry Snyder, Commander of American Legion Post 805; Earle Drake, of the GSDB Detachment, MCL; and John McComb, Senior Vice Commander of American Legion Post 805.