Veterans share own stories with students at memorial

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(May 19, 2023) The fifth-grade class of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School got a history lesson on Wednesday with a field trip to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.

The trip is part of a countywide program to bring all fifth graders to the memorial to learn about the nation’s military history, meet veterans and hear their stories.

The students also had an opportunity to meet students from Stephen Decatur High School, who taught them about the flag and the meaning of the colors. The students had a chance to fold a flag. They learned that the blue stars always had to be facing down, because the stars shine down upon us. They also learned that once folded, no red should show, which symbolizes blood.

“Sacred Heart really connects to the community and those fundamental values. This is what our country is built on,” said Kathy Reed, a parent of twins in the class.

One veteran let the students handle his purple heart.

Docents shared the history of the flag and walked the students through its various versions, including the Don’t Tread on Me Flag, which was the original flag of the U.S. Navy. Susan Pantone showed the students pictures of the military guarding local shores.

Tim McMullen, another docent, encouraged them to take the materials home and test their parents. McMullen, a retired teacher, and his brother Don both volunteer to help out during the field trips. Their parents served in World War II and met in Paris.

Their brother Bill, a Vietnam veteran who passed away last year, has a paver at the memorial.

“When much has been given to a family, much will be required,” McMullen said about his volunteer efforts.

Sgt. Frank Bolen shared his own stories from fighting in Vietnam.

“I quit high school with 17 days to go. Within six months, I was in Vietnam,” said Bolen.

He earned his high school diploma 10 years ago, when he was 60 years old.

He encouraged young people to go to school or they would be fighting in the jungles like he was.

The JROTC students talked with the class about the benefits of joining ROTC.

“ROTC is good for discipline, college, job applications and learning how to work with people,” Addison West, a freshman from Stephen Decatur High School said.

Dan Murphy, the fifth-grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament, said they have been learning U.S. history this year, including the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. He hopes to cover World War II before the end of the year.

“Reading about something does not sink in until you meet people, hear their stories and make a connection.”

The memorial will be hosting Flags for Heroes on May 20 and a Memorial Day Ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon on May 29.

Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., May 19

32ND ANNUAL CRUISIN’ OCEAN CITY

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also held in Inlet Parking Lot and throughout Ocean City. Featuring vendors, entertainment, boardwalk parades, special guests, featured cars and more. https://specialeventpro.com/cruisinocean-city

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘FIONA AND JANE’ BY JEAN CHEN HO

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin Library front desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Sat., May 20

TRIMPER RIDES’ ‘FIRST RESPONDERS DAY’

Trimper Rides of Ocean City, 700 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. Offering $30 Ride All Rides passes for nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters, EMTs. Show work ID at Guest Services to redeem pass. http://trimperrides.com/trimpernews/may-at-trimper-ride, 410-2898617

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

AGRICULTURAL SCRAP TIRE COLLECTION

Worcester County Solid Waste, 7091 Central Site Lane, Newark, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This event is for Worcester County farmers only. The tires must come from a Maryland farm that is based in Worcester County. Mike McClung, 410-632-3177

32ND ANNUAL CRUISIN’ OCEAN CITY

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, https://specialeventpro.com/cruisinocean-city

4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also held in Inlet Parking Lot and throughout Ocean City. Featuring vendors, entertainment, boardwalk parades, special guests, featured cars and more.

TINKER TIME: SPRING FLOWERS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime, use the library’s supplies and your imagination to create. This month, make a variety of May flowers. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WALK WITH A DOC

South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m. Join the group for their monthly Walk with a Doc. Alyce Marzola, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

KICKOFF TO SUMMER CRAFT PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. A variety of options will be available for all age groups, even adults. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY: PAINT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon.

Join in for a variety of painting projects for all ages. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring your stuffed animal and a blanket and listen to stories, songs and rhymes. Pajamas encouraged. Pick up animals May 22, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME WITH MERMAID TASHA

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Mermaid Tasha will read her book, lead the group through an eco-friendly mermaid craft and answer questions. Brings cameras. For ages 8-10 years. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

6TH ANNUAL OLD PRO OPEN https://www.oceancity.com/events-calendar/6th-annual-old-pro-open/

Old Pro Golf, 6801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 3 p.m. Cost is $30 per golfer. Includes all-you-care-to-drink classic and seasonal Union cans, indoor and outdoor mini-golf courses.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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