County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County
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By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY
Cleaver Senior Staff Writer
HARRISON – Master of Ceremonies Tony Argenta greeted attendees of the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony and Law Enforcement Recognition held Friday, Sept. 18 at VFW Post 1075 in Harrison. Argenta reminded of the comrades being held as Prisoners of War of Missing in Action.
“We must not forget the sacrifices these comrades are still making and the suffering they are still enduring for us and our way of life,” he said. “They must remain alive in our minds and hearts untilwe know they have returned home to their loved ones or have been called to the bosom of Our Heavenly Father. We must continue to give moral support to their families who continue to suffer along with them.”
The Color Guard then posted their flags, and Chaplain Shelly Hardy delivered the opening prayer. That was followed by recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the introduction of Post Senior Vice Commander Aaron Lonsway. He in turn introduced special guests Josiah Bear representing U.S. congressman Moolenar; Michigan State Police 1st Lt. Alex Zamarron; Clare County Sheriff John Wilson, Clare County Undersheriff Ed Williams; and VFW Department of Michigan Past State Commander Ray Lopez.
Lonsway then proceeded to describe the ceremony’s small table, set for one and symbolizing that members of the profession of arms are missing. “They are commonly called POWs or MIAs,” he said. “We call them our Brothers. They are unable to be with us and so we remember them.”
Lonsway then described the table’s elements and what they represent.
The table set for one symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!
The white tablecloth symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. Remember!
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!
The Red Ribbon tied prominently on the vase remind of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!
The Candle is lit to symbolize the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind of their bitter fate. Remember!
Salt upon the bread plate is symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait. Remember!
The Glass is inverted; they cannot toast with their comrades. Remember!
The Chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!
“Remember!” Lonsway continued. “All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!
“Remember! Until the day they come home, Remember!”
Fellow veterans placed upon the table five symbolic tributes comprised of a laurel wreath [victory over death], evergreen sprig [life everlasting/undying love for imprisoned/missing comrades], blue flower [purity of motive/truth and fidelity], white flower [unselfish devotion to duty] and red flower [courage and gallantry].
Argenta then spoke of his father James Warner, the Post’s Life Member, who was a former POW in Vietnam.
Post Commander Scott Taylor then delivered the VFW message about being there to reaffirm a solemn promise the FRW made decades ago: We will never forget.
Taylor urged that the more than 142,000 Americans who have been POWs or the less than 81,000 American service members who remain unaccounted for since WWII not be forgotten. He described them as not just numbers but brothers- and sisters-in-arms who never came home, and whose chairs at the dinner table remain empty – whose family members have waited decades for answers.
“They are Americans who answered their nation’s call and made sacrifices on our behalf, and they deserve to be remembered,” Taylor said. “Their families deserve to know that their country has not forgotten them.”
He then spoke of the VFW’s continued support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency whose mission is to investigate, recover and identify missing service members and provide answers to their families. That work includes working to recover those missing in Vietnam, Korea and across the globe. It involves working with “historians, analysts, investigators, scientists and recovery teams that painstakingly examine evidence, search difficult terrain and piece together events that happened decades ago.”
Taylor noted that although the work can be slow and is often difficult and take years of investigations, one single piece of information can change a family’s life forever.
He then warned that DPAA is facing significant budget reductions that have already forced cuts to field operations and personnel. He said the VFW has warned Congress that these reductions theaten the pace of recovery efforts and called for reliable, full funding of the DPAA mission.
“When we ask our service members to risk everything for this country hey deserve to know that this country will never stop looking for them,” Taylor said. :And when we ask families to endure decades of uncertainty, they deserve to know that their nation is standing beside them.”
After a prayer was offered by Chaplain Shelley Hardy, the proceedings moved to the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards.
Taylor reintroduced the day’s special guests along with the Post 1075 nominees. Josiah Bear took the stage then to preset the Congressional Recognition awards and assist with Post plaques. He explained that this opportunity is sent out to the two agencies each year to ensure that the VFW Post can “recognize members of the community who are serving that community and doing what matters for our community.” He explained his passion for doing so stems from his own 35 years in law enforcement.
Receiving the Law Enforcement Awards were Michigan State Police-Mount Pleasant Post Trooper Greg Oberlitner and Clare County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jim Volant.
It was noted that Volant had accrued some 52 years in law enforcement, and upon receiving his award spoke of not only his intent to continue his work as long as it remained enjoyable, but also spoke with high regard of the Clare County Sheriff’s Department “regardless of what you may see on Harrison Matters.”
Bear then presented the Congressional Recognitions, beginning with Trooper Oberlitner, which read in part: “Since joining the department, the trooper has made significant impact in the community; through building rapport, his investigative work, bravery, teaching, humility and mentoring. Trooper Oberlitner serves as an FTO, evidence technician, firearms instructor. His commitment and willingness to help others make him more than deserving of this esteemed recognition.”
The Congressional Recognition for Deputy Volant read in part: “As an honored Army veteran, Deputy Volant has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication. Through diligence and tireless efforts, he has ensured justice for victims and protected the communities he worked in. His commitment and willingness to help others make him more than deserving of this recognition.”
It was noted that Volant had accrued some 52 years in law enforcement, and upon receiving his award spoke of his sense of honor and appreciation for receiving the award, particularly in light of his own military service as a Vietnam veterans who spend a year with the 101st Airborne Division.
“So, POW/MIA is a special day for me anyways, and this honor is just unbelievable,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough.”
He went on to describe his vast law enforcement experience, adding that he had been around the block a few time. “And I can tell you that no matter what some idiot on Harrison Matters says, we’ve got one heck of a Sheriff Department here. I love working with these people, and they’re top notch.”
He added that he plans to continue his work as long as it remains enjoyable, adding his thanks to all present for their service.
Argenta then closed out the proceedings, the chaplain said grace, and the event moved into a group chat and luncheon.
© Clare County Cleaver
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