As master of ceremonies Captain Stephen Schmeiser stated, thousands of U.S. Navy personnel are “on watch” today around the world. A bronze statue dedicated to the sailors who trained in Solomons during World War II was the venue to remember the men and women of every service branch who have served the country.
The ceremony at the On Watch statue, which overlooks Solomons Harbor, was held Sunday, Nov. 6. The gathering included several military veterans, who were asked to stand and be recognized.
Former state senator and World War II veteran Bernie Fowler was the event’s guest speaker. Fowler, whose older brother lost his life in the conflict, affirmed the U.S. remains the world’s most powerful nation and has a history of discriminatingly going to war “for good causes.” The lifelong Calvert County resident noted over 68,000 sailors trained in Solomons during World War II.
Fowler acknowledged the efforts of former Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelley, who frequently used her report time during weekly meetings to urge citizens to purchase the bricks at the base of the statue to honor World War II veterans. The sale of the bricks helped defray the cost of the bronze statue, which was dedicated in August 2007.
The project was started by a Calvert Marine Museum staff person who felt not enough people were aware of Solomons’ wartime history.
“Solomons is a tremendously special place,” said Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R], who added people who move to Calvert County admit they were unfamiliar with the role the county played in the war effort.
Though retired from politics for nearly 20 years, Fowler made mention of today’s leaders in Washington, DC. “We need to get a message to Capitol Hill,” he stated. “We want you to stop the divisiveness. Renew our hopes and the vision of this great country.”
“Senator Fowler represents the ‘Greatest Generation,’ ” said Schmeiser.
Jay Bolles, the post commander of American Legion Post 274 in Lusby reminded the audience that the soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan need to be paid the same homage and receive the same help as other war veterans. “Shake their hand, buy them a beer,” said Bolles, who mentioned the American Legion will be taking five wounded soldiers out
