By Greg Ellison

(Nov. 4, 2021) Day and evening celebrations are planned next Thursday to commemorate Veterans Day at the Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines and American Legion Post 166 in Ocean City.

The patriotic celebrations will begin in Ocean Pines at 11 a.m. at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial.

After plans last year got shifted during because of the covid-19 pandemic, the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation this year returns to its traditional in-person ceremony that typically attracts large crowds.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial is located off Route 589 between Cathell and Manklin Creek roads in Ocean Pines.

Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said organizers are ecstatic to return to the customary program after being restricted last year.

“Veterans Day observances gives us the opportunity to say, ‘thank you for your service.’” she said.

Gilmore said the community should remember both the sacrifices made by military members, as well as the countless hours family members stress about their safe return home.

“We invite you to join with us as we honor and recognize the sacrifices of all who have served to protect our freedoms,” she said.

This year’s Ocean Pines program features Vice-Commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Col. Craig M. Harmon as guest speaker.

Musical accompaniment honoring each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces will be provided by the Delmarva Chorus.

Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, as only limited seating will be available. In the event of wet weather, the event will be relocated inside the Ocean Pines Community Center.

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit www.opvets.org.

Later that evening, the American Legion Synepuxent Post 166 will hold its 75th annual Veterans Day ceremony from 5-7 p.m. at its 24th Street location.

Second Vice-Commander Bob Paul said the annual affair will include a few surprises this year.

“We have several members receiving continuous service awards,” he said.

Paul said American Legion national representatives would be present to distribute the honors to four members with at least a half century in the organization.

Leading the pack is Dennis Shoemaker with 60 years, followed by a trio of 50-year members: William Baker, Sam Villani and Samuel Ludlam.

To set the tone for the observance marking the armistice that closed out WW1 in 1918, guest speakers will include veterans from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan .

Following the flood of memories from surviving veterans, the American Legion Unit 166 Junior Auxiliary will perform a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of P.O.W. or M.I.A. service members.

Junior Auxiliary members Emery Busko and Kendahl Parsons will handle wreath duties.

The ceremony will close with the taps played on a bugle.

For more information, call Bob Paul at 443-523-4113.