SDTR flag flies in memory of Thomas Peet
Emotions were clearly evident as friends and members of the Peet family gathered to dedicate a flag and flagpole in honor of all veterans, but especially for one of their own, Pvt. Thomas Peet, who was killed April 5, 1951, during the Korean War.
The new flag will fly in front of Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding stables. The May 16 ceremony also served as a kickoff for a new veteran's outreach therapy program set to begin at SDTR.
Peet, of Delaware County, Pa., enlisted in July, 1949, and served in Battery A, 26th Artillery Battalion.
Ceremony emcee and U.S. Air Force veteran Dawn Peet, a niece, has been named veteran outreach coordinator for the program.
Although she said the flagpole is dedicated to her uncle, it's in honor of those who died in service to their country. “This is for all vets who have gifted us our freedom with their sacrifice,” Peet said.
She said her uncle wrote letters home to his mother at least two to three times a week, and she wrote letters to him every day.
“He was only 20 years old and no one spoke of the loss. It was too painful,” she said.
The letters were saved and were displayed at the ceremony in a large binder on a table with memorabilia and several certificates, including notice that Pvt. Peet was honored with a Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat, July 2-Nov. 2. 1950, and a Purple Heart.
A place to heal and connect
Peet said 30 percent of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. “And their families struggle how to help them. It's hard going from a war zone to the living room,” she said.
She said SDTR will now be a place for veterans to heal and connect through equine therapy.
It continues the mission of SDTR started in 1988 to provide horse therapy to children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. “Because of the healing spirit of a horse we call them our 4-legged therapists,” said Kelly Boyer, program director.
Boyer said SDTR has opened its doors to the annual Cease the Day program for veterans. “We saw how important riding could be, and then Dawn stepped forward to lead the way,” she said.
She said in 2019, SDTR worked with 171 riders age 4 to some in their 70s. “You never age out in this program,” she said.
The SDTR farm is located at 17170 Harbeson Road near Milton. For more information, go to sdtrhr.com or call 302-644-1920.
Korean War vets are speakers
The ceremony featured guest speakers Korean War veteran Walt Koopman, Korean War Veterans Chapter 1 of Sussex County President Jack McGinley, and Delaware American Legion State Commander Mike Havel.
Koopman, who is president of the Sussex County CHEER board of directors, served in the 25th Infantry in 1952-53. McGinley served in the 60th Transportation Co. in 1962-63. Koopman, 86, whose father landed on the Normandy beaches on D-Day in World War II, was not even 18 years old when he enlisted.
Koopman said people forget that the Korean War was a United Nations action with troops from 21 countries serving. More than 36,000 Americans lost their lives.
McGinley served as a second lieutenant after graduation from the Temple University ROTC program. “This is still referred to as the forgotten war,” McGinley said.
Havel said there is a great need to find innovative ways - including horse therapy - to support veterans when they come home.
Other dignitaries in attendance included SDTR Board of Directors Chairman Scott Swingle, Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer of Lewes and National Guard Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Francis Vavala.
