The Peru Gazette

 

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY – Don’t miss the beautiful new flagpole as you drive by the 692 Route 22B residence of Jim and Bonnie Devan. On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Danny Kaifetz, Director of The American Heroes Flagpole Foundation, conducted a moving ceremony to honor Vietnam War Veteran PFC James “Jimmy” Alvin Devan. Jimmy Devan served our nation from 1967 to 1968 in combat with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Charlie Company. Devan’s 2023 North County Honor Flight biography recounted his heroism. “On patrol and headed to Hill 10 in Da Nang, a booby-trap explosion destroyed Jimmy’s eyesight and inflicted severe injuries, requiring many back-and-forth transports between the Da Nang Hospital and the USS Sanctuary. Jimmy received a Purple Heart and several awards for his courage, saying he’d do it all over again.”

Danny Kaifetz addressed Devan’s family and friends, saying, “What is so difficult today is that Jim will not see his flagpole due to his extreme sacrifice 56 years ago for our Nation. I would like everyone here today to take a moment after this ceremony to describe to him what you saw through your eyes. The Honor, the Importance, and the Merit he earned are far beyond what we can convey today. Please aid this fine Marine and outstanding American Hero in seeing his flagpole and stamping that image into his heart.”

Decorated Veteran Greg Lee guided Jimmy through the ceremony. He served in the same Marine Vietnam Unit as Jimmy, just a few months apart. Onlookers shed a few tears as Jimmy, guided by Lee, touched the entire length of the flagpole.

Danny Kaifetz founded the American Heroes Flagpole Association in late 2022. Located In Owl’s Head, NY, its mission is to create and aware hand-crafted 25-foot Northern Red Oak flagpoles to combat wounded, combat-disabled, and combat-decorated veterans throughout the Northeast at no cost to veterans. Jimmy Devan is the 20th veteran to receive this award. Kaifetz plans to award 100 flagpoles over a five-year period.

American Legion Post 1619 members formed an Honor Guard, sounded taps, and fired a rifle salute. Auxiliary members sang several patriotic songs. Jimmy is a Post 1619 Life Member and Bonnie is an Auxiliary member. Veterans of the North Motorcycle Association stood at attention and helped Jimmy Devan raise the flagpole and flag.

After the flag flew, Danny Kaifetz conducted an additional presentation. Recently, a WWII veteran’s nephew sent Kaifetz his uncle’s Purple Heart, asking Kaifetz to find a place of Honor. The uncle, Private Nathan Ralis, participated in the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944, and died of his wounds on November 22, 1944. Kaifetz asked Veterans of the North Motorcycle Association officer Jim Brown to present the medal, saying, “There can be no greater honor for both the original recipient eighty years ago and the man we are honoring here than to have Jim Brown pin this Purple Heart Medal on James Alvin Brown’s chest.”

Jimmy Devan’s daughter Sharron also spoke, eliciting the most emotion from her father as she recounted what a wonderful father, mentor, and grandfather he’s been to his family. The Devans’ daughter Jamie was out of town attending a wedding, but she called to congratulate her dad as the ceremony concluded. Then, Jim and his wife Bonnie invited everyone inside for refreshments.

The American Heroes Flagpole Foundation has more ceremonies scheduled this year, the next being at the Barracks Veterans Park on the U.S. Oval on Veterans Day, November 11.  Go to www.americanheroesflagpoles.com on the web for more information.