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The Armed Force Memorial Tribute Flag endorsed by
Dutchess County American Legion
By: John M. Benson
02/23/2005

With a standing ovation, and by resounding acclamation, the full Dutchess County American Legion endorsed The Armed Force Memorial Tribute Flag at the county meeting held at the Pawling American Legion Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 16. By this endorsement, the county Legion has moved the flag one step closer to acceptance by the state and ultimately national American Legion. As a symbol designed to honor all those who have given their lives in military service to America, the creators of this flag and the Pawling American Legion enjoy an abiding hope that it will one day fly in consort with the POW/MIA flag that has the endorsement of the national American Legion.

Mike and Marcella Farrell, Dutchess County American Legion Commander Michael Tokarz, Kevin Eberly Jr., Lou Musella, and Pawling American Legion Commander Ivan Hicks

"The Armed Force Memorial Tribute Flag is intended to fly as a partner of the POW/MIA flag, under the stars and stripes of the American flag," said Pawling Legion Commander Ivan Hicks, as he presented the flag to the county membership.

The Armed Force Memorial Tribute Flag was originated by Marcella and Mike Farrell of Wassaic, and it is their friend, Lou Musella of Pawling, who has brought this tribute to the American Legion.

All proceeds from sales of the flag and associated keepsakes go to the USO's AFFAR program, the fund created by the Farrells that is administered by the USO.

County Legion Commander Michael Tokarz spoke with excitement after the endorsement, saying, "Oh! You saw it in their acceptance tonight, that the members feel that the flag represents something that has been missing. The American flag represents all of us, but this just brings home the point that there are people who aren't coming home, who haven't come home, and who are not going to come home. With POWs and MIAs, we still hold out hope. But, this flag represents the people who haven't come home, and who won't. Every time we see it, it will remind us.

"Kevin Eberly really caught the sentiment of the flag in his poem. The reaction of the folks here tonight for Kevin was just phenomenal. They really do appreciate the devotion represented in the poem, especially from a young man like Kevin. As I told him, 'One person really can make a very big difference!' And he is making a big difference in a lot of the troops' lives."

Eberly read the poem he has written for the flag, and which has been adopted by the Farrells and Musella as the official poem of The Armed Force Memorial Tribute Flag:

Remember our Fallen Heroes
If you look in the hearts of our heroes
You'll see tears swelled with pride
Yet underneath there's a shadow of sadness
For the soldier no longer at their side.

Side by side they served with honor
To God's arms they go one by one
From the hearts of a grateful nation
We remember our daughters, our sons.

Their selfless deeds have been many
Blood's been spilled in the sand for liberty
Without hesitation they guarded our freedom
Over land, in the skies, on the sea.

They answered the cries of the hungry
Liberated those whom were suppressed
Courageously they safeguarded our glory
With a loyalty that ceases to rest.

With love we pay homage to the fallen
These patriots, our heroes, our friends
Who've paid the ultimate price for freedom
And the flag they chose to defend.

Their service must never be forgotten
Their deaths won't ever be in vain
We vow to look after their families
And hope our love will ease their pain.

This flag is to honor the fallen
As a reminder freedom is not free
These heroes gave their lives for their country
They gave their lives for you and for me.

As Eberly concluded his reading, the Legionnaires leaped to their feet in a spontaneous display of gratitude, and of their appreciation for the understanding and devotion this 13-year-old Pawling youth is showing for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, past and present.

The young man began his work last year, to show the men and women currently in the military how much their service and sacrifice mean to him and other young people in this country.

Eberly began a campaign to support American troops now in combat zones. Connecting up with the USO, he has devoted his efforts to raising money for USO Operation Phone Home. The organization uses the funds in this program to supply active military with phone cards, so that they can stay in touch with family back home.

The Eberly campaign has been endorsed by the Pawling Chamber of Commerce and all local leaders, and has now produced over $5,500, which has made it possible for soldiers and sailors to receive 550 phone cards. The USO is able to send the cards directly to children of local families, when Eberly is able to supply the USO with the name of the soldier.

The Eberly family has adopted an American soldier serving in Iraq, Sgt. Kennethia Thomas, and she and her unit have received phone cards from the USO program.

Among her thoughts in letters to the Eberly family, Thomas has written, "Kevin, you are truly an angel, sent here on earth to watch over us. At your age, you could easily be consumed with school and extracurricular activities. You take time out of your life to care about us, thousands of miles away. And for that, we are truly indebted to you."

©Pawling News Chronicle 2005

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