Sussex AMVETS Post 2 celebrate Memorial Day

David C. Dolby Sussex AMVETS Post 2 held its annual Memorial Day ceremony May 26.

United States Marine Corps veteran Daniel Hall was the ceremony's keynote speaker. Hall lives in Arkansas and is the brother of Sons of AMVETS Post 2 Judge Advocate Jim Hall.

As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Hall gained a level of notoriety when a photograph of him injured and being carried by two fellow Marines was featured on the July 2, 1965 cover of LIFE Magazine.

“I've received undeserved recognition,” he said. “All those who serve are heroes whether they want to accept the characterization or not.”

Hall said Memorial Day is as much about the future as it is remembering the sacrifices that many members of the military have made.

“It's really about the future,” he said. “Sacrifice without remembrance has no meaning.”

The rest of the ceremony was short, but poignant.

AMVETS Post 2 Judge Advocate Tom Jones read a poem called I am The Flag, the AMVETS Address and performed the empty table ceremony that honors those missing in action.

Hank Llewellyn, 1st Calvary U.S. Army, came from Pennsylvania to speak on the man Post 2 is named after, David C. Dolby. Dolby did four tours during the Vietnam War and was a Medal of Honor recipient.

He was more than a Medal of Honor recipient, said Llewellyn, he was a big burly guy with the heart of a teddy bear, he said.

“He like the people here,” said Llewellyn. “He was a life member of this post and enjoyed every visit.”