Gilpin vets observe Armed Forces Day

Small but steadfast group gathers

Lynn Volkens

05/22/2008 - The flags flapped and billowed, colors brilliant in the spring sun as local veterans gathered Saturday morning at the Gilpin Veterans Memorial. They were there to celebrate Armed Forces Day, to remember all veterans and honor those now serving in the nation’s Armed Forces. It was the second anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial, designed and constructed by Gilpin veterans, funded through donations.

  Army veteran Linold Begg led the small group of Gilpinites in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Then came the solemn naming of Gilpin veterans who have passed on since this date last year: George Dzinski, Herb Bowles, Bob Flick, Edmund Houghton, Charlie Wiggs and Scotty Snyder. The group of Gilpin veterans at each ceremony is growing smaller, but they are dedicated and steadfast in performing their duties of remembrance.

  Gilpin School senior, Emma Berg, blew the long sad notes of “Taps.” Teo Dominguez, Commander of Gilpin’s American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, tolled the large gleaming brass bell 21 times, a somber knell for those now gone that is traditional for Gilpin veterans ceremonies. Included this year; Teo’s mother, Margaret Dominguez. She had given twenty years of service to the American Legion Auxiliary, prior to her death last year. Several moments of silence followed, in honor of those who have died while or after serving the United States.

  Air Force veteran Jim Murkland, was this year’s speaker. He mentioned how President Truman, in 1949, proclaimed May 20^th as the annual Armed Forces Day. It marked consolidation of all military branches into one unified Department of Defense. Murkland remarked how others would observe the day with open houses, air shows, celebrations, parades and ceremonies, but also noted the day would look very differently to those who are deployed, especially those now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It won’t be a day of parades and celebrations for them. Some may even give their lives today,” he reminded, “The survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment and great personal sacrifice.” Murkland’s listed attributes for those who have served and are currently serving: sacrifice, constancy, courage, valor, working together, discipline, strength, dedication and measureless contribution. He enjoined Gilpinites to think of ways to contribute, to help veterans who are neighbors and soldiers who are away from loved ones, answering the call of duty. “What more can we do?” he quoted John F. Kennedy. Thank them (veterans and soldiers) personally, he recommended, whenever you see them. “We are deeply grateful to all the individuals who are in the service of our country here at home and all over the world, who sacrifice, who show this great courage in the face of adversity-for their valor, for their discipline, strength and dedication.”

  There were few Gilpin civilians at the ceremony this year. As with the veterans, their number was also fewer than in the past. Those who showed, were there to show gratitude to Gilpin veterans for their service, to honor those now fallen, and remind those remaining that their service, and they, are not forgotten. As Murkland put it, “On behalf of those on active duty and all veterans, we stand here in unity.”

  Local American Legion Post 166 has been in existence for 75 years. The VFW has been in Gilpin County since 1946. They meet the fourth Tuesday of every month in Central City and have joined in their efforts, working toward mutual goals. Last year the American Legion and VFW began a scholarship program. At the end of their Armed Forces Day ceremony they awarded their first recipient, Gilpin School senior Emma Berg, with a check for $1,000. Berg has been the trumpet player for local veterans for several years.

  The veterans provided donuts and beverages after the ceremony, along with quality visiting time. The Army, Air Force and Navy were well represented by veterans who’d served at home and far away in places like Germany, Turkey, and Viet Nam. Jim Murkland, who very recently won his battle with cancer, was back telling stories and making folks laugh. Gilpin Veterans Officer Deni Darby, was on hand to connect veterans with services and each other. He, along with the American Legion and VFW are involved in outreach efforts to at least touch base with all Gilpin veterans. Contact Deni at 303-582-5444 or Teo at 303-582-5134 for more information.

  Standing before the rose granite memorial’s benches and red carnation wreath, beneath Old Glory, the P.O.W. flag and banners for the VFW and American Legion, Murkland answered JFK’s question, “What can we do?” so that all Gilpinites will know how to support our veterans. “In Gilpin,” Murkland proclaimed, “we gather here.”

  Mark your calendars, now, for the November 11^th Veterans Day Ceremony, also at the Memorial in front of the Community Center.