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World War II Memorial dedicated at Legislative Hall

BY STEVEN BILLUPS
November 16, 2013
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Dover Air Force Honor Guard posts the colors as veterans and members of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs salute. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
The inscription on the monument on the south side of Legislative Hall reads, “In honor and memory of all men and women of Delaware who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America to preserve our freedom during World War II 1941-1945.” BY STEVEN BILLUPS
After the unveiling, officials gathered for a photo. Shown are (l-r) Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, U.S. Navy Chaplain Edmund Newsome, U.S. Sen. Thomas Carper, Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, President Pro Tempore of the House Sen. Patricia Blevins, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, Sen. Bruce Ennis, Rep. Earl Jaques, former Delaware state Rep. and WWII veteran the Hon. Jerome Unruh, Delaware Veterans Affairs Chair Paul Lardizzone, U.S. Sen. Christopher Coons, U.S. Rep. John Carney and Delaware National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Francis Vavala. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
World War II field artillery veteran David Robbins of Dover salutes during the national anthem. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Former Delaware state Rep. and WWII veteran the Hon. Jerome Unruh gave the keynote address. Unruh shared his story of crossing the Rhine River near Düsseldorf, Germany, with a forward patrol. Most of the 12 fellow servicemen were shot, but Unruh survived for five days in a small boat. He was eventually taken in and hidden from the Germans by a local family. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth, left, and President Pro Tempore of the House Sen. Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere, place a wreath at the monument. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Specialist Brian Ruby of the Delaware National Guard Band plays "Taps" at the closing of the ceremony. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Specialist Caitlin Blanchard with the Delaware National Guard Band takes a quiet moment during the closing benediction. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
“During a trying time in our country, Delaware played an important role in World War II, and we have a lot to be thankful for,” said Paul Lardizzone, chairman, Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. “When some of the soldiers returned home from war, we didn't take time to properly recognize and memorialize their service. Finally, here in our capital, we have a monument to pay tribute to all Delawareans for their contributions and sacrifices during WWII.” BY STEVEN BILLUPS

The Delaware Department of State, the General Assembly and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs dedicated a monument honoring Delaware’s World War II veterans.

Rep. Earl Jaques, D-Glasgow, has shepherded several bills through the General Assembly to help veterans, but the retired Delaware National Guard brigadier general said, “Helping secure funding for a monument honoring World War II heroes was a top priority. Unfortunately, Delaware has taken too long to honor the Greatest Generation. Many are no longer with us, such as my father, who served in the Coast Guard. This monument not only honors those who served in the military, but also many other Delawareans who helped the war effort - working in the shipyards, military facilities or at the Chrysler plant making tanks. I hope everyone will support their loved ones who had anything to do with World War II. Whether they are still with us or not, let’s keep their memories alive.”

Jaques, directly left of the monument, applauds with fellow officials as the monument is unveiled.

 

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