Front Royal’s traditional Memorial Day event May 27, with nod to dogs of war

Acknowledgment of the dogs of war and a parade of dogs present with their owners is an annual part of Front Royal’s Memorial Day event. Royal Examiner File Photos/Roger Bianchini

Four local veterans, one of whom died on the World War II battlefields of Europe, will be honored at this year’s Memorial Day ceremonies at Front Royal’s Gazebo on Monday, May 27, noon until 1 p.m.

As in past years, the Front Royal ceremony honoring the dead of all wars will include a salute to “the dogs of war” which will be blessed by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Vince McLaughlin of Rockland Community Church. Local dog owners are invited to attend with their dogs to participate in a brief parade across the downtown park area. McLaughlin will give the invocation and closing prayers.

Among this year’s honorees are retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Norman Brander. For many years Brander was a member of the Randolph-Macon Academy staff and president of the local chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA). The AFA, along with the Town of Front Royal, the Humane Society of Warren County, and the Warren County Rotary Club, is a co-sponsor of the event.

Wreath laying at previous event – World War II vet Phillip Funk on right is one of four deceased veterans – along with Marvin Reifsnider, Samuel Hallman and Norman Brander – to be honored at this year’s ceremony.

Also to be honored is U.S. Army veteran Philip Funk, a longtime Town employee who lived in Middletown, the father-in-law of Town Council member Eugene Tewalt, and his wife Juanita’s dad. Funk attended several of the Front Royal ceremonies. Also honored will be Marvin Reifsnider, who died earlier this year in his 104^th year. Reifsnider lived in Rockland and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Samuel Albert Hallman, 21, was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge on Dec. 17, 1944. He was buried in Front Royal’s Pioneer Cemetery shortly thereafter. His younger sister, Charlotte Partlowe of Stephens City, and other relatives continue to visit his grave each year. For the first time, Hallman’s memory will be honored and his service recognized at the 2019 ceremony shortly before the 75^th anniversary of D-Day in Europe. It was during the famed Battle of the Bulge that Hallman died.

Bagpiper Bill Wright will signify the start of the service, followed by a brass ensemble from the Skyline High School band, directed by Daniel Holland. Co-chairs Robert McDougall, U.S. Marine Corps, and Malcolm Barr Sr., of Britain’s Royal Air Force, will introduce the program and guests.

Featured speaker is Skip Rogers, founder and executive director of the Able Forces Foundation that provides assistance, financial and otherwise, to military and veteran families in crisis. The Front Royal headquarters is on Chester Street. At a Pentagon ceremony last September Rogers received the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope award, recognizing his work among disabled veterans. Rogers was a military police dog handler between 1968 and 1974.

Featured Memorial Day speaker Skip Rogers and base security team friend, when Rogers was a 19-year-old dog handler on a Nike Hercules missile site in 1969 – Courtesy Photo Skip Rogers

Retired USAF Master Sgt. Diana Lieber will lead the parade of dogs and Michael Williams, whose late father was a dog handler during the Vietnam war, will provide a brief history of the war dogs in an address from the podium.

Retired USAF T/Sgt.Tina Laing of R-MA supervises a group of R-MA cadets who will provide a guard of honor when the traditional wreath, provided by Fussell Florist, is laid by the heads of county and town governments, joined by Lt.Col. McDougall (USMC Reserve).

Following the ceremony, a picnic area will be opened behind the nearby Virginia Beer Museum where light refreshments will be available and free sodas for kids provided.