PRESERVING HISTORY — Jim Brockman, executive director of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Museum, Education and Research Center, discussed its efforts to preserve the memories of all veterans at the Veterans Day service held Monday in Follansbee by Emrys Watkins American Legion Post 45. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — The director of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Museum, Education and Research Center discussed its efforts to preserve the memory of U.S. servicemen and women of all eras at Emrys Watkins American Legion Post 45’s Veterans Day service Monday.

“Every day at the museum is Veterans Day,” Jim Brockman told the many who gathered inside the post home.

He said in addition to sharing the experiences of troops captured by the Japanese in the two Philippine Islands during World War II, the museum contains thousands of photos, diary entries and other artifacts that had belonged to veterans of other eras and conflicts.

Located within the Brooke County Public Library, the museum has been visited by representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense, History Channel and other organizations, noted Brockman.

He added it’s received frequent calls from people doing research or seeking information for other reasons.

REMEMBERING THE MISSING — Jim Brockman, seated at center, watched as Follansbee American Legion Post 45 members from left, Hartzel Brady, Steve Jasko and Keith Brown placed a vase and other items on a table representing the many American servicemen who are missing in action. Brockman, who is the executive director of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Museum, served as guest speaker for the post’s Veterans Day service Monday. -- Warren Scott

Brockman said there were 247 West Virginians among the servicemen captured in the Philippines and he has learned none of them are living.

But he said he plans to do as much as possible to honor them in some way in the future.

Brockman said he’s pleased to have been able to help the family of Army Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Bucklew, who was killed, at the age of 21, when the helicopter he was piloting crashed during a reconnaissance mission in defense of Camp Holloway in Vietnam.

For reasons not entirely clear, the military has identified Bucklew, a Follansbee native, as hailing from Columbus, Brockman noted.

Prior to the service, Diane Boniey said while her brother enlisted in Steubenville, as many military recruits from West Virginia have done, his military records also identify him as hailing from Columbus. She said her late brother mentioned a mix-up with his Social Security number that may have resulted in the error.

Boniey said it has been frustrating to her family that he is not mentioned at services or monuments where West Virginia veterans are acknowledged.

Boniey said with the help of Brockman and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., Dennis’ records will be changed.

Brockman said after overcoming various hurdles, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records has written to say Bucklew’s records will be changed.

“More importantly, the Wall will reflect he’s from West Virginia,” said Brockman, referring to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“This is the kind of result that makes my job worthwhile,” he said.

Attendees also heard from Post 45 Adjutant Keith Brown, who noted the holiday’s origin as a celebration of the peace treaty that marked the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

He noted that conflict resulted in the deaths of millions had been called “the war to end all wars,” but that optimism was short-lived as World War II followed a relatively short time later.

Brown said the percentage of America serving in the military has declined but there still are about 43,000 U.S. troops and naval detachments serving abroad today.

Mayor David Velegol Jr., said Americans who participated in the recent election can thank veterans for preserving their right to do so.

He told veterans in attendance, “You are the pillars and foundation of our democracy.”

Eric Fithyan, president of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce, said,” Soldiers are the backbone of our community and country, defending its principles and making it the great nation it is.”

Fithyan said, as a funeral director, he knows people too often wait until it’s too late to say thank you. He urged attendees not to wait to thank veterans for their patriotism and service.

American Legion District 1 Vice Commander Robert “Doc” Pope said in light of the commitment and sacrifices of America’s veterans, “Saying thanks once a year is not enough.”

He encouraged everyone to show kindness to the veterans they encounter from day to day, adding everyone must ensure “no veteran feels forgotten or left behind.”

The sentiment also was expressed by Post 45 Vice Commander Rob Hilt, who noted his service in the Air Force was inspired by his grandfather, who had served as a mechanic in the same branch during World War II.

Hilt said his service included deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia, where he “saw horrific things that changed me,” but added it also provided an opportunity to see and learn about other cultures.

“That was my path, just like every veteran has a path. Next to the birth of my son, it was the greatest thing I ever did,” he said.

Post 45 Commander Tom Mirabella invited all veterans attending to stand and tell the branch and years in which they served. Each was presented a wood block in which was cut the name of his or her branch by Harold Beatty, a local veteran.

Following the service, Boniey was asked how her brother would have responded to it.

“He would have been so honored. It would have touched his heart,” she said.