Photo By Master Sgt. Doug Roles | Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack (at podium), commander of the 28th Infantry Division, Pa....... read more read more
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Leaders of the 28th Infantry Division conducted a scaled down version of the unit’s annual memorial service Sunday, May 23, 2021 at the division shrine in Boalsburg. A detail of Iron Division soldiers in dress blue uniforms placed several wreaths at monuments in a short ceremony highlighted by remarks by Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, division commander.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the service, which normally draws a crowd and includes a processional of unit colors, a howitzer salute and static equipment displays. Last year the 28th’s fallen heroes were honored by the laying of a single wreath at the Boal altar by personnel from the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Approximately 30 division soldiers participated in this year’s 20-minute observance. The event was made available live on the 28th Infantry Division Facebook page.
McCormack thanked viewers for participating virtually and for their patience as military traditions are adjusted to support safe interaction while honoring all members past and present of the 28th Infantry Division. McCormack termed the Boalsburg event extremely important and thanked the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission for allowing the smaller-scale event to take place.
“As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, our military commitment remains strong and our dedication to the nation unwavering,” McCormack said. “Although separated by numerous generations and multiple conflicts, the soldiers that have served before us in the 28th Infantry Division experienced the same challenges of family separation and the pains of war that our current Iron soldiers experience today.”
McCormack announced a new monument has been added to the grounds. The Battle of the Bulge monument pays tribute to the 28 ID’s service in that fight which spanned four days in December 1944.
This year’s event included a rifle salute, in lieu of the howitzer salute, and the placing of a wreath on the division cross by McCormack and Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Pritts, the division sergeant major. Retired Master Sgt. Gwen Underwood and retired Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Zimmerman, both with the division association, placed the wreath at the Boal altar.
The shrine and various 28 ID monuments are situated on the museum grounds of what was once the Boal estate, so named for Col. Theodore Boal who raised a horse-mounted machine gun troop for World War I service and established a portion of his property as the unit’s training area. The unit’s reunions laid the foundation for the annual memorial service.
“These hallowed grounds will forever hold the spirit of great warriors,” McCormack said, “warriors that fought our nation’s wars, with some giving the last full measure.”
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.23.2021 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 397147 |
| Location: | BOALSBURG, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 362 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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