Chesapeake Beach honors fallen at George W. Owings III Stars and Stripes ceremony
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Chesapeake Beach held the George W. Owings III Stars and Stripes Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday, bringing together town and county leaders, veterans, students and residents for prayers, music and community recognitions.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from the event moderator and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Abby and Emma of Beach Elementary School. The presentation of colors was performed by the Northern High School Naval National Defense Cadet Corps and Bayside Praise provided patriotic musical selections throughout the program.
Pastor Glenn Swanson of Bayside Baptist Church delivered the invocation and a personal remembrance of his nephew, Sergeant Christopher W. Swanson, who was killed in action in Iraq. "We lift up these 1,300,000 souls, giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty for their ultimate sacrifice," Swanson said, framing Memorial Day as both communal remembrance and a personal loss for many families.
Mayor Bruce Wall welcomed attendees and acknowledged the Owings family in the audience. He thanked volunteers and local partners and asked active-duty service members and veterans to stand and be recognized. The mayor also announced the town's Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller Scholarships, awarded to Northern High School students Jackson Jacobs (planning to attend the University of Maryland) and Abigail Kendall (planning to attend Liberty University), and invited the Miller family to join them for photos.
Commissioner Catherine Grosso (District 3) told the crowd that Calvert County continues to honor its veterans and noted the recent identification and return of Private First Class James High, missing since World War II, whose remains will be interred at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery. "We are happy that he's home," Grosso said, asking the community to keep his family in their prayers.
Vice President of the county commission Mark Cox reflected on the ceremony's theme, "legacy of sacrifice," and the nation's 250th anniversary, calling the day an opportunity to reflect on the service and unity that have shaped the country.
Bayside Praise returned for a final patriotic selection and the program concluded with a benediction from Pastor Swanson followed by the playing of "Taps." The moderator closed by thanking participants and volunteers — including town administrator Similia Akpudu, Savannah Richardson and Martha Kennedy — and announced related community events: a Stars and Stripes Family Fun Day at Kellum's Field Complex starting at noon, and an American Legion Memorial Day event at Veterans Park on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
The ceremony honored local and national service as the community observed Memorial Day; organizers encouraged attendees to observe the national moment of silence on Monday at 3 p.m.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from the event moderator and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Abby and Emma of Beach Elementary School. The presentation of colors was performed by the Northern High School Naval National Defense Cadet Corps and Bayside Praise provided patriotic musical selections throughout the program.
Pastor Glenn Swanson of Bayside Baptist Church delivered the invocation and a personal remembrance of his nephew, Sergeant Christopher W. Swanson, who was killed in action in Iraq. "We lift up these 1,300,000 souls, giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty for their ultimate sacrifice," Swanson said, framing Memorial Day as both communal remembrance and a personal loss for many families.
Mayor Bruce Wall welcomed attendees and acknowledged the Owings family in the audience. He thanked volunteers and local partners and asked active-duty service members and veterans to stand and be recognized. The mayor also announced the town's Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller Scholarships, awarded to Northern High School students Jackson Jacobs (planning to attend the University of Maryland) and Abigail Kendall (planning to attend Liberty University), and invited the Miller family to join them for photos.
Commissioner Catherine Grosso (District 3) told the crowd that Calvert County continues to honor its veterans and noted the recent identification and return of Private First Class James High, missing since World War II, whose remains will be interred at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery. "We are happy that he's home," Grosso said, asking the community to keep his family in their prayers.
Vice President of the county commission Mark Cox reflected on the ceremony's theme, "legacy of sacrifice," and the nation's 250th anniversary, calling the day an opportunity to reflect on the service and unity that have shaped the country.
Bayside Praise returned for a final patriotic selection and the program concluded with a benediction from Pastor Swanson followed by the playing of "Taps." The moderator closed by thanking participants and volunteers — including town administrator Similia Akpudu, Savannah Richardson and Martha Kennedy — and announced related community events: a Stars and Stripes Family Fun Day at Kellum's Field Complex starting at noon, and an American Legion Memorial Day event at Veterans Park on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
The ceremony honored local and national service as the community observed Memorial Day; organizers encouraged attendees to observe the national moment of silence on Monday at 3 p.m.
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