Burke VFW Commemorates Memorial Day

The Burke Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5412 continued their Memorial Day tradition of honoring veterans yesterday. The ceremony, held for the sixth year at the Burke Centre Conservancy grounds, brought together citizens of all ages.

Following a color guard with bagpipe, Scout Troop 1345 members raised the flag. Post Commander David B. Meyers welcomed State Senator Dave Marsden and Braddock District Supervisor John Cook.

Following the formal ceremony, Senator Marsden  said how important it is to "have  our young people remember the sacrifices that others made."

"It's important to remember that we're only able to live the lives we do because of the sacrifices of those who have defended our freedom," Supervisor Cook said.

Eighty-six-year-old Elmer Savilla a Burke Centre resident and Native American originally from Arizona, introduced the guest speaker, Major Paul Kremer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, a professor of Military Science at George Mason University.

"No one should forget the true meaning of this day," Major Kremer said. "It's not a shopping event. It is not the day of the big barbeque. The day was originally called Decoration Day when former soldiers and families would decorate those graves of Civil War soldiers who fell during that horrible conflict. That tradition continues until today".

Post Commander Meyers invited Shirley and Sam DiBartolo, who are approaching the end of their reign as  2010 Lord and Lady Fairfax, to place a bouquet of roses on the stone of remembrance. 

A prayer was offered in closing, asking that "we take with us the memory of brave Americans who fought and died for our freedom" and also  have a continued resolution to support our active duty military now.

The Burke VFW Post 5412, which has 153 members, invites the community and those interested to the monthly meeting, held the third Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm, at the For more information, contact Tom Troy, 703-250-0071 . (www.vfw.org or www.webspawner.com/users/vfw5412)