Arthur Sidney Roberts served in the United States Navy for four years on an oil tanker during the Korean War. One of his fondest memories while in service, Art (as he prefers to be called), traveled to Australia and visited Christ Church during the same time period that President Eisenhower was touring the island nation. To this day, Art still brags how he has been to both poles while serving his country.
As an ordained minister, Art had the honor of presiding over his granddaughter’s wedding last month, just days after being diagnosed with ALS. He represents America with a love of family, country, and baseball. In fact, Art played on a softball league at 83 years old until this past March. He finished his softball season allowing only one walk as a pitcher.
Art’s family gathered on Sunday, July 21st, 2019 to celebrate his 84th birthday and to honor his service in the U.S. Navy with a veteran pinning ceremony. His home in Longmont, Colorado was filled with his family and friends as the TRU Community Care team arrived and prepared for the ceremony.
TRU volunteer and fellow veteran of the Korean War, John Franko, began the ceremony with an introduction paying tribute to Art’s service in the military. Art’s loved ones watched as he received his pin and honorary military salute.
There was a depth of reverence for the sacrifices made by these men, seemingly strangers but brought together by a common thread, their service to our country. John continued the ceremony by giving Art a star saved from a retired American flag that is given only to military veterans and first responders stating,
“I am part of our American flag that has flown over the United States. I can no longer fly, the sun has caused me to be tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten”.
Arthur was filled with deep gratitude, mutual respect, and joy in response to the ceremony. You couldn’t help but perceive the profound and wholehearted life in service to others that Art has lived and carries with him through his family.
TRU Community Care offers and produces Veteran Pinning Ceremonies to honor their service to the United States Military. Veterans, who are near the end of their life, share their experiences both leading up to and during the ceremony. The retelling of stories is an important part of what TRU Community Care offers to individuals nearing the end of their life.
To read more by TRU Community Care, please visit https://www.trucare.org/blog.
