Fr. Doke blesses VFW Veterans’ and First Responders’ Memorial
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“Eternal God, source of every gift and talent … as we remember and give you honor for the eloquent witness of all veterans who served our country, especially those who laid down their lives, we ask your blessing upon this monument and this space.
“Make it a place of continued peace and meditation, calling us all to mutual love and tireless service for others.”
Father Jason Doke, pastor of St. Martin Parish in St. Martins, blessed the people and the new Veterans’ and First-Responders’ Memorial outside the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Basinger/Sone Memorial Post 1003.
It was the 100th anniversary of the founding of Post 1003, Missouri’s second-oldest VFW post.
The post and the City of St. Martins worked together to create the memorial, which includes an array of flags and a permanent display for stone plaques that will be engraved with veterans’ names.
“It’s incredible to think that just a short time ago, this was an empty parking lot,” said VFW State Commander Royce Kelb.
The plaza is named in honor of the late Philip Kalaf (1950-2020), a Meta native, Vietnam War veteran and former post commander who helped raise the money and did much of the preliminary work to get the plaza built.
“This was something Phil wanted,” said Current Post 1003 Commander Scott Englund. “He wanted us to have a veterans memorial.”
Dignitaries attending the dedication included: state Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City; state Rep. Rudy Veit, a member of St. Stanislaus Parish in Wardsville; VFW Missouri State Commander Royce Kelb, St. Martins Mayor Daryl Raithel, a member of St. Martin Parish; Mary Paulsell, representing Central Missouri Honor Flight, and members of the Kalaf family, including Philip Kalaf’s wife, Cindy.
Mayor Raithel said the VFW post’s and city’s efforts to honor veterans and first responders are worthwhile.
“This plaza is a great reminder of the sacrifices made on our behalf,” he stated. “Because of their sacrifices, we are blessed with the stability we have in our country today.”
Mrs. Kalaf recalled that her husband, a U.S. Navy veteran, returned from fighting in Vietnam and did not feel welcome or honored for his service.
In getting involved in VFW, he set about changing the culture and letting fellow Vietnam vets know that they were welcome, valued and that their service mattered.
He also worked to help children and young people understand the sacrifices that service men and women make in times of war.
Fr. Doke proclaimed a reading from the Gospel According to John, in which Jesus commands his followers to love another, and says there is no greater love than give one’s life for one’s friends.
State Rep. Bernskoetter called to mind the words of President Lincoln at the dedication of the Battlefield Memorial at Gettysburg in 1863 — “the brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.”
“We can never forget the sacrifices our veterans have made for us,” Mr. Bernskoetter stated.
“All of our veterans and first responders and their families are such an important part of our community,” said Lilian Hentges, president of the Post Auxiliary.
The VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
It has more than 1.5 million members, including its Auxiliary.
Mr. Englund spoke of the organization’s significance.
“We help out around the community,” he said. “We help out vets.”
Mr. Kelb touted the VFW’s community service activities.
“Helping people — that’s what the VFW is all about,” he said. “The VFW is about taking care of the community, not just the veterans but the community.”
