By JACK SIEVERT
The Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council says "Thank you" for a memorable Veterans Day 2012.
I had the opportunity as commander to offer the welcome speech and introduce our master of ceremonies, John D'Agosino, OBSERVER publisher. The council was honored to have him lead the 2012 Veterans Day Service.
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Submitted Photo
Members of the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard are pictured at top while members of the council and David Ptak, at right, are above.
A special thank you to Applebee's and their General Manager David Ptak for hosting the "Thank You Movement for all Veterans and Active Duty Military."
The complimentary meals served were a real tribute to all of our Veterans.
We thank Hannah Wentz for commencing our service by singing our National Anthem followed by a prayer for our Veterans by Sandra Tapasto, Chaplain DJVC.
Our Principal Speaker was Lt. Christopher Wilson, U.S. Coast Guard, Sea Partners Campaign.
The POW/MIA table was assembled by Sally McCullough, Applebee's manager.
The POW/MIA table script was given by Joanne Warlikowski, Chautauqua County Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, senior vice president, and Raymond Warlikowski, DJVC trustee and were assisted by Honor Guard Commander and Trustee Richard Makuch and David Dow, assistant Honor Guard commander and trustee.
Honors were presented by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. Three volleys by the DJVC Firing Squad consisting of David Huels, Honor Guard Liaison Officer and Trustee; Edziu Kaus, DJVC Trustee; Kenneth DeLong, Armorer and Thomas Rugani directed by Honor Guard Commander Makuch.
Taps was presented by Ron Kulpa, bugler and colors were displayed by DJVC Honor Guard members Ben Rechlin and David Taber.
Ending remarks were given by the Master-of-Ceremonies, thanking Applebee's and all Veterans and Active Duty Military for their service to our great country.
The Council thanks everyone that participated in the 2012 Veterans Day Tribute. God bless our Veterans and our Great Nation.
Jack Sievert is commander of the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council.
