Burke Memorial Day Ceremony Supported By Civil Air Patrol Squadron

BURKE, VA — The Burke Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5412 held a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, drawing participation from the Burke Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and other organizations.

The Burke Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5412 Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Burke Centre Conservancy's flagpole and military service monument. Sponsors included the Burke Centre Conservancy, Burke BSA Troop 1345 and others.

VFW Post 5412 Commander Chuck Sleeper, was master of ceremony and provided the ceremony
dedication.

"The Rock at the base of this flagpole is a monument representing the resting places of many departed Comrades who served in all wars," said Sleeper at the ceremony. "Wherever the body of a Comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed. Our presence here is our expression and our tribute to their devotion to duty, courage and patriotism."

Other key participants in the ceremony included BSA bag piper Jay Copeland piping in the color guard, VFW Bugler Terry Bradley playing Taps and Barbara H. Lynn, a music teacher at Orange Hunt Elementary School, singing the National Anthem. The Rev. Stephen Holley, pastor of ministries at Springfield's Immanuel Bible Church, served as chaplain, providing thanks and praise for American freedoms through military service and sacrifice.

The guest speaker was Senior Master Sgt. Ethan Edwards, a Burke Civil Air Patrol cadet, who spoke about his inspirations of military service. He started his remarks by recalling a historical figure who inspired him with limits on the highest political power, saving his nation, and gave up power to return to an agrarian life. Edwards went on to discuss the military service of Desmond Doss, an unarmed, but highly decorated World War II medic and Virginian. Doss was awarded the highest U.S. Military Decorations for Valor under enemy fire by repeatedly rescuing wounded soldiers during the conflict in the Pacific. Edwards concluded by discussing his father’s service as a career officer and pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

To conclude the ceremony, Edwards, Cadet Senior Airman Audrey Edwards, and Cadet Airman First Class Catelyn McClure sang "America the Beautiful" and "Amazing Grace," a capella.

Officials who attended the ceremony included Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax), Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, and Republican candidate for the 11th congressional district James Myles.