On Veterans Day, Orleans Celebrates The Power Of Memory

ORLEANS – Cecil Newcomb, a Vietnam War veteran, was recently asked by a friend how often he thinks about his time serving in the conflict.

“My answer to him was ‘Every day of my life,’” said Newcomb, who served in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief.

Fortunately for Newcomb and veterans both locally and across the country, he is not alone. Evidence of that was on display during this year’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, the first held in the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Park.

On a cool but sunny late Wednesday morning, residents and visitors gathered in the park to pay their respects to those who have served their country. For Select Board Chair Mefford Runyon, Veterans Day is a testament to “the power of memory.” He spoke of the importance of honoring the memory of those who served in the military, as well as those who are currently serving.

“Our memories extend the lives of family and friends for as long as the memories live on in ourselves and in others,” he said, paying special tribute to his father, uncle and father-in-law.

This year’s keynote address was given by Alan Chace, a member of the town’s veterans committee and a retired United States Naval commander. Chase served 19 of his 24 years in the Navy overseas, including deployments across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Chace in his address spoke of “heroes,” noting that the term applies to countless service members across all branches of the military, each one deserving of the title in their own individual ways.

“Heroes stay true to the mission and work above and beyond because they care,” he said. “They care for their colleagues. They care for their country, and they care for you and all we all stand for.”

Chace also acknowledged the friends and family members who have and continue to support veterans through the daunting “unknowns” that come with military service.

“They share the worry, and they share in the unknown,” he said. “They support us, they care for us and they comfort us. I want to point out the very fact that you all here today is of comfort and solace to our veterans.”

Time was also given to acknowledge the renovated park, which was completed last spring. State Rep. Hadley Luddy, D-Orleans, presented a Statehouse proclamation from herself and fellow State Rep. Steven Xiarhos, R-Barnsatble, honroing Veterans Committee Chair Kevin Higgins for his work in helping steer the project to completion. Higgins has annually served as the emcee of the town’s Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

Orleans resident Carl Trevison said the park offers peace and comfort to all who visit. That includes Vietnam veterans such as himself, many of whom didn’t receive a welcome return home from service.

“It’s a place to reflect and to give thanks for veteran sacrifice, whether you’re a soldier, Marine, sailor, Coast Guardsman, Merchant Marine or a volunteer civilian,” he said. “It says ‘Thank you’ to all who served, and to their families for standing by them.”

This year’s ceremony also included music by the Nauset Regional Middle School band and choir, and a special performance from the Spirit Fife and Drum Corps.

Vietnam Veteran Andrew deLory, another member of the veterans commitee, aluded to the recent shift in the national political landscape in his comments. But he also stressed the responsibilities that come with such change.

“Recently it’s felt like a strong, fresh wind has filled our sails,” he said. “We the people on this great American ship are making a course correction, turning away from the gathering storm, now headed in a safer, more secure direction.”

Email Ryan Bray at ryan@capecodchronicle.com