VFW Post 9376 Honors Veterans In A Slightly New Way At Thanksgiving Appreciation Luncheon

By Raoul Dennis // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAOUL DENNIS AND FRANK SOLOMON

Sergeant Major Michael Eason says you can always go home again.

“My grandmother used to say: ‘boy, whatever you do, wherever you go, make sure that you can come home.’ And I go home to North Carolina about two or three times a month, so I’m good,” Eason said Nov. 23 to an audience of retired military men and women at the Tree of Life Christian Ministries Church in Clinton.

Then the career U.S. Army veteran acknowledged that not everybody was so fortunate. As he spoke, many in the room knew just what he meant through first-hand experience. They understood the loss of colleagues, friends and sisters and brothers at arms. They gathered on this afternoon to remember those who did not come home as well as to be honored by local leaders, community and family members who sought to celebrate their sacrifice this holiday season.

The event was hosted by Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D-Dist. 9) and opening remarks were given by Pastor James J. Robinson who ministers at Tree of Life.

“I am Southeast DC born and raised so when I see a man come through here with a rifle, I get a little nervous,” Pastor Robinson quipped as the veterans entered the room. “I didn’t get the chance to serve but I am so thankful that you all did. I am thankful for your service and for your sacrifice.”

Harrison honored the veterans and VFW Post 9376 celebrating that the post has been recognized at the best VFW Post worldwide (July 2019). But the councilman had a deeper interest for the veterans as well.

“We have ongoing problems in our community that we will need you [our veterans] to be front and center on for a number of issues,” Harrison said. “Education, job creation, economic development, housing, mental wellness and health care and other issues that you face are the same issues we face as a community. It will take all of us to come together and to pool our experience and resources to deal with these problems. We know the problems we just need the will to face them. It takes a village.”

Eason understands the meaning of village, family team and leadership – even when all the answers are not clear.

“I think back when I was in Iraq trying to survive the fight. I did what I had to do. I didn’t like what I had to do but I was determined to come back home,” he began. “My soldiers asked me ‘why are we here, Sgt., Major?’ and I would answer I don’t really know but wouldn’t you rather be fighting here rather than to have these people fighting us at home and killing your family? And I ended it with be careful because the life you save may be your own. From that day on, we understood and we stuck together.”

He also talked about loss: “We went over there with 300 and came back with 298,” Eason said of the two soldiers who died in his arms. “I live with that every day.”

“It’s great that we are here. We survived the fight. But we always must remember the fallen soldiers,” Eason said as the ceremony began. Full of symbolism, pride and honor in remembering “those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, the 45 year veteran said he conducts the tribute ceremony annually for the last 12 years at his hometown.

A table with a place setting for one is a place of honor.

A rifle symbolizes one of the first to die for American freedom in the battle of Concord; a chair represents the families who waited for loved ones to return from war, a rose represents the hopes and dreams that were part of the lives of the service members who did not return; a plate represents those captured in battle, a pinch of salt represents the tears endured of those missing in action and families still waiting for answers; the bible is the symbol of faith; an upside down wine glass represents lost warriors who will never celebrate with the living and all of life’s hopes and dreams never realized; the yellow ribbon represents the hopes and prayers of thousands families impacted by recent wars; the lighted candle is a reminder of their sacrifice.

The post commander took a special moment to recognize Viet Nam vets explaining that even simple correspondence was a welcome but too often rare privilege. “We had email and everything like that when I was in Iraq. But you Viet Nam vets didn’t have any of that. When you’re a lone in your bunk, that can mean a lot.”

He said that Viet Nam vets came home to scorn and ridicule and insisted that although the Viet Nam memorial in Washington DC recognizes them, he prays that one day there will be a fuller recognition for their sacrifice.

A proclamation for service was given to Gloria Seymore-Hairston for her service with the county and her new work with The Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

“I love each and every one of you,” she said. “And those who serve in the civilian world in support of veterans, I love you too. Thank you for making this proclamation possible. I will be hanging it at The Washington, D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center.”

Eason called on the “blank check” that he says all military personnel give to the United States upon enlisting. “We sign over a blank check that means we are willing to allow America to cash with our lives if necessary. That’s called honor. Not as many people have that anymore. But it’s important that we remember those who did.”