On June 14, 2024, at 1 PM, Campbell Supply had the profound honor of hosting the National POW MIA Memorial Dedication in partnership with Rolling Thunder, Inc. This heartfelt event brought together veterans, their families, and our community to honor the brave men and women who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice, were held as Prisoners of War, or are listed as Missing in Action
A Day of Remembrance and Unity
The event began with a warm greeting from Scott Campbell, our veteran owner who served in the United States Air Force. Scott’s heartfelt words set the tone for a meaningful day of reflection and gratitude.
Elaine Martin, the Memorial Committee Chair of Rolling Thunder, Inc., served as the master of ceremonies, guiding us through a series of moving tributes. Marc Crabtree, Chaplain of Rolling Thunder, Inc., delivered a poignant invocation that reminded us of the solemnity and significance of the occasion.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ted Zabohonski, a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Eleanor Zabohonski of Rolling Thunder, Inc. National, with a special emphasis on the words of the POW MIA soldier, bringing a profound sense of honor and respect.
Gary Domanski, a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, shared his insights on the meaning of the service and the Vietnam experience, touching everyone with his personal reflections.
The Missing Man Ceremony was conducted by Joe Kotch, a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, alongside Debbie Kotch of Rolling Thunder, Inc., symbolizing the profound absence of our missing heroes
Unveiling the Memorial
One of the most poignant moments of the event was the unveiling of the memorial, followed by the playing of Taps. Carlos Ferreiro, President of Rolling Thunder, and Artie Muller, a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War and Executive Director of Rolling Thunder, delivered remarks that underscored the importance of remembering and honoring our POWs and MIAs.
The event concluded with a moving performance of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes by Andy Kerr, a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, providing a fitting and emotional end to the ceremony.
A Community United
This event was not just a tribute to our fallen heroes but also a testament to the strength and unity of our community. The dedication and support from local veterans, their families, and the community were truly inspiring.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Rolling Thunder, Inc. for their partnership and to everyone who attended and supported this event. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to never forget the sacrifices made by our service members and to honor their legacy.
Thank you for joining us in this tribute. Here are some photos capturing the spirit and emotion of the day:
At Campbell Supply, we will continue to uphold the values of service, sacrifice, and community. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of these principles, and we are honored to have been a part of such a meaningful dedication.
