The Palmyra War Memorial Committee is now presenting veterans of Palmyra with Military Service Medals. To honor the veterans of the country and of Palmyra especially, the War Memorial Committee has continued an idea that started with simply honoring all of the names on the Palmyra Memorial located at Cinnaminson Avenue and East Spring Garden Street.
For Palmyra War Memorial Committee President Tom McElwee, the ability to honor soldiers in general, Palmyra soldiers and those that have passed is doubly special to him. As a veteran himself, McElwee served in the Vietnam War. Because it was seen as a controversial political war, soldiers returning from Vietnam were not honored the way returning soldiers are honored today.
“When I came home, you have to remember that we were not honored the way veterans are now,” said McElwee. “I remember being spit on and they called us baby killers. The stigma has changed over the years a great deal and I want to honor those veterans that have come home and who have served the country.”
Originally, the American Legion bought 200 medals that would be given out to soldiers that were living in Palmyra prior to joining the military, however the committee has since expanded that requirement to any veteran who lived in Palmyra before or after enlisting into the military. Currently, about 100 of those medals have been presented to veterans, however, McElwee knows there’s a lot more veterans from Palmyra.
“The stigma on veterans has changed an awful lot, but I think some veterans don’t want the medals and want to put it behind them,” said McElwee. “The guys that have served in the more recent wars have been more receptive, but I think the Vietnam veterans just want to put it behind them.”
Typically, the Palmyra War Memorial Committee holds a veteran ceremony every year for Veteran’s Day as they honor those who have served this country, however, this Nov. 11, the Committee will not be holding such a grand ceremony. They are instead developing a very special ceremony for next year. Veterans may still apply to receive their Palmyra Military Service Medal this year. All veterans will be honored in person, however, veterans can apply this year and elect to receive their medals at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony in 2020.
For those veterans who would like to be presented with their Palmyra Military Service Medal, they can go to Palmyra’s website at borougofpalmyra.com and fill out an application. The application requires name, rank or grade held at discharge, address, branch of service, era of service, dates of service, date of birth, phone number and email address. The application also requires veterans to include their DD-214 or WD-AGO 53-55 discharge or separation papers.
Applications may be sent to the Borough of Palmyra located at 20 W. Broad St.
Military Service Medals will also be awarded posthumously to honor those Palmyra residents who made the ultimate sacrifice. Surviving next-of-kin of those service members who were killed in action may also apply for a Military Service Medal in the same manner as described above. At this time, Military Service Medals will only be presented to those deceased veterans who were killed in action.
