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American Legion Post 28 remembers the fallen

96-year-old WWII veteran and sister of Cold War-era fallen hero highlight presentations
American Legion Post 28 displayed a red, white and blue wreath in memory of those who have lost their lives defending the United States of America and its allies. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
May 30, 2023

American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard honored those who died for the country during a Memorial Day ceremony May 29. 

Wayne Comer, 96, right, was a Marine serving in the Pacific during World War II. Following the ceremony, Comer and Charlotte Magill were thanked and hugged by several veterans and their families.
Gold Star Sister Rose Tominovich’s brother, Airman First Class Robert Oshinskie, was killed Sept. 2, 1958 in Soviet Armenia. A Romanian linguist serving with the 6911, the Radio Group Mobile at Rhein-Main Airbase in Germany, his C-130 was shot down by Soviet MiG-17s during a reconnaissance mission. He and 16 others made the ultimate sacrifice that day.
American Legion Post 28 displayed a POW/MIA or Missing Man Table for Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. The small table (outnumbered) is set with a white tablecloth (purity), a single candle (hope), an inverted glass (absence), a single rose (blood shed) in a vase wrapped with a red ribbon. There is a plate containing a since of lemon (bitter fate) and a small amount of salt (tears).
John Campbell, who gave an emphatic “hoo-rah,” stands as the Marine song is played. Dick Kollar, a fellow Marine, stood as well. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
American Legion Post 28 Commander Joe Brown waives his flag during the armed services song recognition ceremony.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1105 President Pat Moonan stands and waves his flag as the battle cry for the Army is played.
Makenzie Mood is American Legion Post 28 2023 Little Miss Poppy. Safe to say her pride in America gives her butterflies.
Chris Makisimak, left, and June Jones show off their American pride and free frozen treat.
Veterans from the various branches of the military were honored as their songs played and they stood, waving their flags, to a round of applause.
American Legion Post 28 Commander Joe Brown doubles as Mr. Frostie when he isn’t leading the veteran’s organization. Brown gave free soft serve to all those in attendance at the Memorial Day ceremony.
The American Legion Post 28 Honor Guard fires a 21-gun salute prior to “Taps” being played.
The seven members of the honor guard who fire their guns include (l-r) Hack Jones, Ken Mellon, Dick Mansfield, Dick Kollar, John Campbell, Patty Trump and Rosemary Kollar.
As “Taps” is played, Les Haus, left, and Mike Donatacci salute to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the United States of America.
Les Haus leads the honor guard back into American Legion Post 28 following the 21-gun salute and “Taps.”
Following the Honor Guard portion of the ceremony, veterans and attendees join hands in a circle to sing “Proud to be an American” as it played over the sound system.
Past Commanders Lee Glasco, left, and Jim Lafferty stand during “Proud to be an American.”
The Colorettes Unit 28 sat together during the ceremony and sang together as “Proud to be an American” played.

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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