By ARCHIE MOUNTAIN
NEWPORT — More than 150 people turned out Saturday morning, Sept. 29, for the dedication ceremony of a stone monument honoring the late Pfc Terry J. Whittaker who was killed in action in DaNang, Vietnam, 51 years ago.
Funds for the monument came from donations. The effort was led by Bob and Cheryl Dombroski of Newport.
The monument is perfectly placed in Ransom, Tracey Memorial Park overlooking the easterly bank of the South Branch of the Sugar River as it passes under the Elm Street Bridge.
Pfc Whittaker was only 20 years old when he lost his life when an explosive was detonated under his amtrac vehicle.
He was raised by his parents, Henry and Betty Whittaker, along with two brothers, in their home almost directly across Elm Street from the park area.
“Today we honor a young man who was proud to serve, stating in the final line of his last letter received home, “we are fighting for our country,” according to Liz Hennig of American Legion Post 25 of Newport, who gave the Address of the Day.
“Halfway around the world, in a place that he probably previously did not know existed, he was giving the best that he had to offer, because it was what his country asked of him,” Hennig told the gathering.
In his letters home we learn of how Terry adopted the Marine Corps can do approach, Hennig revealed.
“On one mission, driving his vehicle straight up a hill in the mountains of Vietnam, he found himself waiting for the rest of the convoy. They had tried to go around the rise and instead spent hours getting unstuck from the rice patties. Terry delighted in doing his mission well and making the better choice on that day,” Hennig stated.
“Loved and missed, cousins and other family and those that knew him have fond memories of Terry as a good natured and caring individual who was respected by many.
“He joins others we have honored for their sacrifice and continue to honor including Michael Brady and John Lee, both casualties in Vietnam, Wade Hector from Desert Storm and Justin Rollins for Iraqi Freedom.
“Now, Terry joins a place of honor here so that all in Newport can remember the sacrifices that they have made, for the duty that keeps us free, and protects and preserves us in our town here in New England.
“It is a reminder to us that Freedom is not free and to be thankful for those who have sacrificed to protect it,” Hennig said.
Before the ceremony concluded, Bob Dombroski read a statement thanking those who helped make the fundraising effort successful.
Prior to Hennig’s talk, there was a flyover by Heath Marsden, Parlin Field manager. in his airplane, and Harold Yanofsky piloting a helicopter with John Merriman as copilot.
The crowd at the 20-minute ceremony was welcomed by Bruce Richardson, Commander of American Legion Post 25. The invocation and benediction were given by the Rev. Michael Monette of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Past Post Commander Peter Lovely led the Pledge of Allegiance and decorated the monument with a flag. Cheryl Dombroski placed flowers at the monument.
Near the conclusion of the ceremony, Michael McLaughlin played the Marine Corps Anthem on Bag Pipes and the Post 25 Honor Guard members fired their weapons. Taps was played by Lois Sturtevant, and members of Rolling Thunder, New Hampshire Chapter 2, formed a flag line. Amanda Merrigan sang the National Anthem.
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