Arick L Lore American Legion Post 274 of Lusby held its 63rd graveside service, on May 27th, Memorial Day, at Lore’s grave in the Solomons Methodist Cemetery, near the Thomas Johnson Bridge. The American Legion Post 274 in Lusby is named in his honor. The day was a little cloudy and cool but a great crowd came to pay homage. Some were members of the post and some just strangers who came to pay respect. Flags had been placed on all veterans graves in the cemetery by Boy Scout Troop 427 and Heritage Girls #1888.
Sgt. Arick L. Lore, who was born in Solomons, on October 1st, 1891. He was the oldest of nine children: seven brothers Arick, Preston, Francis, Osborne, Kenneth, Joseph Jr., and Rupert; and two sisters, Sarah and Anna. He loved baseball and was a member of the local team. He was also an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where on occasion he would fix pancakes for his younger brothers and sisters. On November 23, 1917, when he was 26, he was inducted into the U S Army at Camp Mead (now Fort Mead) Maryland. After boot camp at Camp Green, NC, he boarded the troop ship Maui at Hoboken NJ and arrived at St. Nazarene, France on April 29th, 1918. Lore served with Co. I, 60th Infantry Division at several locations in France, travelling sometimes by truck, but most times marching from point to point with full field pack and rifle.
On October 14th, 1918 (13 days after his 27th birthday and less than a month before the armistice was signed on November 11th) he was killed by sniper bullets in the front line trenches during the Battle of Verdun, one of the most decisive battles in ending the war. In the last entry of his diary, he wrote, “This has been an awful day. There have been quite a number wounded by shrapnel, but I have escaped so far. Thank God.” He was first buried at the American Battle Area Cemetery at Cunel, France. Later, his body was returned to his country. Last rites and honors were held in September, 1921 at Solomons Methodist Episcopal Church, where he was a member.
Commander Eric Walls of Post 274 led the short service, alongside Chaplin Warren Kidwell. Kathryn Rivers, President of the Auxiliary placed a wreath at his gravesite. Three rifle volleys were fired by Post 274 Honor Guard and Taps were played. A concluding prayer was given.
Please check out the picture gallery below and mark your calendar for next Memorial Day for the 64th service at the gravesite.
Margit Miller / Calvert Beacon
