Retired Navy Rear Adm. David Duryea was the honored guest at a meet-and-greet reception on May 28 at William D. Oxley American Legion Post 133, 4637 Decatur St. (at Torresdale Avenue).
Duryea and his wife Colleen traveled from northern Virginia at the request of Bob Cummings, Oxley chaplain and vice commander of the state American Legion’s District 5.
Cummings said he and Duryea served together on the USS Lapon “a long time ago in a galaxy far away.”
Duryea thanked the crowd for the invitation. He was the guest speaker at Monday’s Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade, and was pleased to hear of a series of weekend events.
“It’s incredibly important to recognize the sacrifice. It’s so important to our nation,” he said.
Admission included draft beer and food, with all proceeds going to the Delaware Valley Veterans Home residents’ welfare fund.
Oxley commander Bruce Conklin made Duryea an honorary lifetime member of Post 133.
Last Monday afternoon, after the parade, Oxley Post members held a memorial service at Magnolia Cemetery, 6950 Tulip St., at the grave of William Oxley, followed by a ceremony at St. Dominic Cemetery at the grave of Charles McMenamy (namesake of Charles McMenamy American Legion Post, 8041 Frankford Ave.). The day ended with a ceremony at Oxley Post. ••
