IN THEIR HONOR

May 26, 2014 at 12:01a.m.

ELLSWORTH

If Vice Admiral John B. LaPlante spent eight hours a day, five days a week reading aloud one name every two seconds of someone who was killed defending the U.S. since the American Revolution, he probably wouldn’t finish until Halloween.

“One million men and women died serving their country,” the Poland man estimated.

LaPlante, who served 39 years with the United States Naval Academy before retiring in 1996, was the main speaker during Sunday’s annual memorial service at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9571 at 11397 Ellsworth Road.

Roughly 100 people attended the solemn gathering to remember and honor men and women of all military branches who made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. Also remembered were those serving in Afghanistan, along with living veterans.

After the program, members of Ellsworth-based Boy Scout Troop 71 took part in a flag-raising ceremony at the VFW building. Among them was Liam O’Neil, who helped to hoist the flag.

After the ceremony, a parade marched to Ellsworth Cemetery on U.S. Route 224. Homer Marsh, a former prisoner of war during World War II, was grand marshal.

LaPlante, who saw extensive combat in Kuwait, Iraq and Vietnam, rhetorically asked attendees how they felt those who died defending the nation would wish to be memorialized.

LaPlante used the word “sheep” to refer to the vast majority of people who live ordinary lives and are kind, productive and trustworthy. Those who opt to defend their country are “sheepdogs,” who honorably assume the often-risky responsibility of protecting the “sheep” and driven by the desire to be part of a noble effort bigger than themselves, he explained.

“They were the best of us, but they weren’t like us,” said LaPlante, a part-time special-education aide and volunteer in the Poland School District.

Those who died serving the nation likely would want to be remembered as obedient, courageous and selfless. They would neither seek celebrity status and materialism nor want others’ sympathy, he continued.

“They would reject the notion that their deaths were a waste,” he added. “We shouldn’t tolerate anything or anyone who belittles their sacrifice.”

Nearly all of the estimated 1 million fallen comrades probably would view Memorial Day as a time for celebration, not sorrow and mourning, LaPlante said.

Before LaPlante’s presentation, Don Schrock and John Craig, Post 9571’s chaplain and past commander, respectively, read aloud “In Flanders Fields,” a famous John McCrae war poem written in 1915. It reads in part:

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.”

Additional remarks were from Fred Schrock, post commander and Don Schrock’s brother.

The program also featured flag presentations and an awards ceremony from the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

The Rev. Bruce Irwin, pastor of Ellsworth Methodist Church, delivered the invocation and benediction.

Also part of the service was a posting and retreat of the colors.

The Western Reserve High School marching band and chorus provided its rendition of “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”