Weirton remembers sacrifices throughout nation’s history
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WEIRTON -- Few wars from the world's history are worth the cost of the lives lost, according to Gabe Arlia.
Arlia, age 94 and a U.S. Marine Corp. veteran, served as the guest speaker for Monday's Memorial Day service in Weirton.
Born in Italy and moving to the United States in 1936, Arlia was an active duty Marine from 1946 to 1949, then enlisting in the Reserves from 1953 to 1980, and attaining the rank of master gunnery sergeant.
He was a charter member of the Tri-State Marines and the Weirton Police Reserve, served as an emergency medical technician, was employed at Weirton Steel, has served as an advisor of the Tri-State Young Marines and is active with the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard.
Arlia encouraged those gathered to remember those lost to war, not only those who have served in the United States' military forces, but those from all nations.
He noted the United States has been involved in 25 wars in its history, and, in his mind, the only one worth anything was the American Revolution.
"The rest were stupid mistakes that cost millions of lives and nothing was solved," he said.
He relayed some of the earlier history of what would become the United States, focusing on the colonial era and the oppression of King George III, leading to the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
"That battle at Lexington was where this nation was born," Arlia said, recalling how local militias were rallied to overcome what was then considered to be one of the best-training military forces in the world, and sparking the fight for independence.
Arlia encouraged those gathered to remember those who stood up for their freedoms and fought against those he said were burdened by arrogance and greed. He ended by reciting a portion of "America the Beautiful," while the Weir High Band played.
Also during the service, Ron Haggerty, past commander of the American Legion Post 10, presented plaques to three individuals in recognition of their 50 years of membership; David M. Brula, an Air Force veteran; Ralph McFarland, a Marine veteran; and John J. Mihalyo Jr., an Army veteran. He also presented recognitions to Lisa Renner, Ronnie Jones, Joe Sikora, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the Legion for their assistance during his five-years in office.
Mayor Harold Miller read a proclamation in honor of Memorial Day, with Pastor Rudy McAllister offering the invocation and benediction.