Michigan veterans remember their departed comrades in arms (07/29/01)

Michigan veterans remember their departed comrades in arms

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

WARREN, Mich. - It was a quiet day for veterans and Ukrainian residents alike on this Memorial Day, May 28. Michigan's Ukrainian American Veterans Post 101, the Ukrainian Catholic Veterans of William Melnyk Post No. 645, the Ukrainian army veterans ("Dyviziinyky") and veterans of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) assembled to remember the past: World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam, and to honor and pay tribute to those who fought and laid down their lives to protect the democratic ideals, traditions and integrity of America and Ukraine.

At 12:15 p.m. the four Ukrainian veterans' groups assembled at the site of the Ukrainian Veterans' Memorial Monument, a permanent pillar located on the manicured grounds of the Ukrainian Future Credit Union. More than 60 veterans in full uniform gathered at the ceremonial area. Many onlookers from the surrounding community also took part in the services.

With the American and Ukrainian flags flying at half-staff, the Very Rev. Varcilio Basil Salkovski OSBM, pastor of the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, offered prayers for those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in American and Ukrainian conflicts.

Post 101 Commander Lt. Col. (retired), Oleh Cieply addressed the audience and defined the meaning of Memorial Day. As the flags were raised from the half-staff position, members of the posts and ladies auxiliary units advanced memorial wreaths to the foot of the monument. The Ukrainian Catholic Veterans' rifle team fired three volleys and taps were sounded.

A second memorial service was at the site of the Veterans Cross on the St. Josaphat Parish Grounds. After all units were assembled on the parade grounds, a general call to attention was issued by the Catholic War Veterans Commander Joseph Harkow. All national and post flags were displayed as panakhyda (requiem) services were offered by three parish priests accompanied by the St. Josaphat Choir. After several post eulogies, the audience sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and taps were sounded for departed comrades.

After a general dismissal was ordered, all veterans and their families were invited to attend a picnic luncheon organized and prepared by the ladies auxiliary units.

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