Veteran News Brief for the week of Oct. 9, 2016

Honoring All Who Served is the theme of Veterans Day 2016 at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial.

These events provide a way for students to learn more about the history of Veterans Day and about the experiences of veterans from all backgrounds and walks of life. Invite veterans to share their stories connects generations while helping our young people learn about the past.

Army Corporal William H. Smith will be buried Thursday, Oct. 6, in Elmira. In late November 1950, Smith was a member of the 25th Infantry Division, which was forced into a fighting withdrawal from Unsan, North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950.

Between 1990 and 1994, North Korea returned to the United States 208 boxes of commingled human remains, which helped account for the remains of at least 500 U.S. servicemen who fought during the war.

Lab analysis, in conjunction with the totality of circumstantial evidence available, established Smith’s remains were included.

Welcome home and rest in peace, Cpl. Smith.

Service Birthdays are as follows. The United States Navy 1775 – Thursday, Oct. 13; the United States Marine Corps 1775 – Nov. 10; and the United States National Guard 1636 – Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial.

Wreaths Across America in Tioga, the Valley, and Bradford County is Saturday, Dec. 17. “Say Their Names” is the national theme in 2016. Volunteers place wreaths on individual veterans graves. You are encouraged to volunteer to become a coordinator for your neighborhood cemetery.

Contact Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Day Chairman Jim Raftis by email to jraftis2@stny.rr.com for more information.