The
National Capital Area Chapter hosted the Division Association in several
ceremonies marking Memorial Day in our Nation’s Capital.
We
were honored to host the President of the Division Association, Tom
Sewell. Joining us from Fort Campbell was the Acting Senior Commander,
Colonel Dominic Caraccilo; Chaplain (Colonel) Alvin Miller; as well
as the Honor Guard and a bugler from the Division.
On
Friday, May 28th, A.J. Murdoch and Morris Pearson joined Tom Sewell
and C.K. Gailey in representing the Association in laying a wreath from
the Division Association at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National
Cemetery. This moving ceremony recognized the missing and unknown
casualties from the Division.
On
Saturday, May 29th, we traveled to the National Mall where we laid wreaths
at the WW II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Wall.
At the WW II Memorial, Harry Nivens told it like it was, from someone
who had been there. Tom Sewell took us through the role of the
Rakkasans in Korea. At the Vietnam Wall, A.J. Murdoch presented
the wreath and stood in for all the Vietnam veterans. That afternoon
we laid a wreath at the grave of General Anthony McAuliffe in Arlington
Cemetery.
On
Sunday, May 30th, we held our Memorial Day ceremony at the
Division Memorial. Chaplain Miller gave us an inspirational invocation
and benediction.
Forty wreaths were laid, memorializing many units
and chapters, as well as individuals. Major General James McConville,
the Army’s Chief, Office of Congressional Legislative Liaison, gave
the Memorial Address. General McConville is well known to the
101st, as he commanded an air cavalry squadron in the Division
and subsequently was the Division G-3 and the Deputy Commanding General
for Support. In his address General McConville reminded us of
why the Division has such a high reputation, built on the sacrifices
of those who went before. In a telling moment for many of us,
he demonstrated that the Vietnam veterans are fast becoming the senior
citizens (who was ready for that!) among those who served in the 101st.
He also honored a distinguished visitor, Lieutenant General Thomas Turner,
former Division Commanding General. General Turner has recently
retired as Commanding General, U.S. Army North.
Among
the approximately 90 attendees were three Screaming Eagle Wounded Warriors
from Walter Reed Army Medical Center: Sergeant Sampang, Staff Sergeant
Matheson and Private Blint, as well as the Bales and Simpson families.
They and the Division Liaison NCOs at Walter Reed: Master Sergeant Barnes,
Sergeant First Class Motes and Staff Sergeant Daniel, were greeted with
a great ovation.
Following
the ceremony, we had a luncheon at the Sheraton National Hotel.
During the weekend the Chapter hosted a hospitality suite at the Sheraton
National Hotel. Soldiers old and new gathered to share the good
times, and a few bad ones, in the spirit of the Brotherhood of Arms.
With sales of Chapter challenge coins and patches, and all the proceeds
of our raffle, we raised a substantial sum to support our Wounded Eagles.
On
Monday, May 31st, the Chapter took part in the National Memorial Day
Parade in D.C., with the F-Body Hideout Car Club. Again this year,
we were proud to have Screaming Eagle participants representing all
eras, from WW II to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The parade was very well attended and the crowd was loud in their appreciation
of our service.
The
National Capital Area Chapter hosted the Division Association in several
ceremonies marking Memorial Day in our Nation’s Capital. 
On
Saturday, May 29th, we traveled to the National Mall where we laid wreaths
at the WW II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Wall.
At the WW II Memorial, Harry Nivens told it like it was, from someone
who had been there. Tom Sewell took us through the role of the
Rakkasans in Korea. At the Vietnam Wall, A.J. Murdoch presented
the wreath and stood in for all the Vietnam veterans. That afternoon
we laid a wreath at the grave of General Anthony McAuliffe in Arlington
Cemetery.
Forty wreaths were laid, memorializing many units
and chapters, as well as individuals. Major General James McConville,
the Army’s Chief, Office of Congressional Legislative Liaison, gave
the Memorial Address. General McConville is well known to the
101st, as he commanded an air cavalry squadron in the Division
and subsequently was the Division G-3 and the Deputy Commanding General
for Support. In his address General McConville reminded us of
why the Division has such a high reputation, built on the sacrifices
of those who went before. In a telling moment for many of us,
he demonstrated that the Vietnam veterans are fast becoming the senior
citizens (who was ready for that!) among those who served in the 101st.
He also honored a distinguished visitor, Lieutenant General Thomas Turner,
former Division Commanding General. General Turner has recently
retired as Commanding General, U.S. Army North.
Following
the ceremony, we had a luncheon at the Sheraton National Hotel.
During the weekend the Chapter hosted a hospitality suite at the Sheraton
National Hotel. Soldiers old and new gathered to share the good
times, and a few bad ones, in the spirit of the Brotherhood of Arms.
With sales of Chapter challenge coins and patches, and all the proceeds
of our raffle, we raised a substantial sum to support our Wounded Eagles.