Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs, James A. Adkins (Brig. Gen., RET), will be the key note speaker at the Memorial Day celebration at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines on May 26. Secretary Adkins is an Eastern Shore native, born in Cambridge and raised in Dorchester County. During his military career, Adkins served in intelligence, infantry and cavalry assignments in the United States and abroad. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, he assisted the former Soviet Republic of Estonia in its transition to democracy. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross, and the Order of the White Cross from the Republic of Estonia.
Secretary Adkins retired from the military in 1997 after 22 years of service. He is currently a member of numerous organizations including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, US Army War College Alumni Association, 2nd Armored Division Association, 29th Infantry Division, Military Intelligence Corps Association, and the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association.
Plans to continue the tradition of a celebration filled with music, pageantry and patriotism are well underway stated Tom Cetola, chairman of the Memorial Day celebration and a member of the board of directors of the Veterans Memorial Foundation. Local veterans groups and musical ensembles will participate.
The Memorial Day observation for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines will be observed on May 26, 2008 at 10:00 AM. We need to inform all the residents of the Pines and others that the day is to honor the deceased veterans from time immoral.
Mistress of Ceremony is Carrie DuPuie, wreaths place by POW and women’s Veterans (2), song being sung by the children from Seaside choir, Delmarva choir; Echos; Randy Lee Ashcraft, Dick Jacobs, etc. Very similar to last year.
The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m., the public is invited and is asked to bring lawn chairs. Parking is available onsite.
For further information or to obtain a handicapped parking pass for the event, call Roseann Bridgman at 410.641.7243.