The Ultimate Sacrifice “Stand by, incoming wounded soldiers!” sounded the alert over the loud speaker. The medical staff would scramble to their respective positions getting the necessary medical equipment ready to go into action. A faint humming sound would get louder as the helicopters came in for the landing. A triage would be set up…
You may remember his signature line – “Heeeere’s Johnny!! For nearly 30 years Ed McMahon was the co-host of the popular television series “The Tonight Show” with fellow World War II veteran Johnny Carson. While Johnny served in the Navy – Ed served with the US Marine Corps. McMahon served with the Marines during World…
Next week, 9/11 20th Ecumenical Service honoring those who gave their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq and their GOLD STAR family members. You are invited! 7PM 3210 Philadelphia Pike at the Grubb Worth Mansion, Claymont DE 19703 Original Facebook Post.
CLAYMONT, Delaware (WPVI) — Two former military chaplains have erected a new monument that is dedicated to those who died in the Global War on Terrorism. The new Guardian of Defenders Monument was unveiled on September 11. “It was a very emotional moment,” said Fr. John Gayton, pastor of Holy Rosary church. “A lot of…
A letter of recognition from the President of the United States, as written: Dear Chaplain Van Alstyne, It was an honor to join you at Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Thank you for your beautiful words. We must never forget the brave Americans who defended our democracy at all costs,…
One Day in the Life of a Priest in Iraq Fallujah, Iraq 2007: We rolled into Forward Operating Base, Rivera, the center of operations for 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in the town of Saqlawiyah. The Civil Affairs Group and the 2/7 Chaplain were transporting me so that I could make Catholic Sacramental & Pastoral visits…
The Ultimate Sacrifice After some moments of private prayer, soldiers begin to gather at the ecumenical memorial service that I lead as a U.S. Army chaplain. The symbols of our battlefield memorial speak to the deeper sentiments of our soldiers. The helmet and identification tags signify the fallen soldier’s identity. The combat boots represent the…