The MAJOR LOUIS E. O'NIEL HALL

Dedication

Please rise and join in with the Pledge Allegiance.

For those here who know me, or not, this is not about who I am, it is about and for who’s life we celebrate tonight; Louis Edward O’Neil. Tonight, we officially dedicate this hall as the Major Louis E. O’Neil Hall. 

We engaged into this endeavor to establish a place for all veterans, their families, and friends to be welcomed and to interact with one another as well with making the community aware of the plight and issues impacting today’s veterans. What we are here for tonight is a solid cornerstone in building upon our vision. With the aid of our supporters, we will continue to improve upon this journey to ensure this will continue to be a place that honors these heroes. 

It is an honor to be able to speak at this dedication. This dedication honors Lou. It’s something we can all be proud of. The naming of this hall is to signify the respect for Lou as a person, as well as a time to set apart a particular place in order to honor and memorialize him, and all the veterans who serve our country in war time and in times of peace.

Veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share several qualities.  Courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity.  One needs these qualities in order to serve a cause greater than one’s self. Lou is one who embodied these qualities, in the jungles of Vietnam ever so vigilant to be there for his fellow Marines. And later in life, as a citizen here in his hometown; his experiences through the course of his life had bestowed upon him the virtues of humility, compassion, and comradeship to all.  

An unyielding firmness and endurance to the end.  Strength and steadfastness, and ruggedness to finish the mission as assigned.  But along with all of that goes his softness, to realize that there are moments that require sympathy and sensitivity to a brother or sister who needs support when the battles get overwhelming.  All these characteristics can be said of Lou.  

Whether you’re related to Lou O’Neil, or not; we share in the kinship of having known him.  In our lives, and here in this facility, we are surrounded by the spirits of those who have served our country.  Those who have sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy. There is a closeness we can all feel with Lou, when viewing this memorial and reflecting on each of our times and experiences with him.

Our liberties and values stand safe today because of the brave men and women like Lou, who have been ready to face the fire.  We thank God for each and every one of them.

We also dedicate this hall as a place where those visiting will recognize our desire to acknowledge Lou, and all those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and they will be encouraged to place the same importance on this hall as we do here today.

Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful

To the few it is easy to say, But much harder to do

When the time comes, to live up to the creed, 

Marines will never walk away, leaving a Brother to bleed.

Marines live and die by these two simple words.

Only a Marine understands the loyalty reserved.

Marines are bound by Blood, Sealed with their Sweat.

To each other we owe, a never ending debt.

If you don't understand. don't try to come between the unity

and Brotherhood of the United States Marines.

Time to come home dear brother, your tour of duty through.

You've given as much as anyone could be expected to do.

Just a few steps further, the smoke will start to clear.

Others here will guide you, you have no need to fear.

You have not failed your brothers, you clearly gave it your all.

And through your selfless actions, others will heal the call.

So take your place of honor amongst those who have gone before,

and know you will be remembered for now and evermore.

Amen

When you lay your head down on your pillow tonight, thank God for the freedom you enjoy here today and ask God’s protection on all of those serving our country this very day all across our world.

I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of this place. May God bless you and may God bless The United States of America.