I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, I will probably live here the rest of my life. But when anyone asks where I am from, I reply proudly that I am from Central New York. My Father Graduated from Syracuse in 1949. Canʼt wait for Basketball season. We travel home every year to our family’s camp on Chase Lake in the Adirondacks. I have family all over Central New York. People from this area are some of the best people in the world. I have always known it, but the respect shown by the patriotic people of this area the day of Captain Philʼs funeral, was awesome.
Below please read the letter of thanks sent by Master Chief Petty Officer Arthur Dykeman, US Navy, Captain Philʼs older brother, to the Post Standard. We chose the Paul V. Moore High School scholarship fund as a tribute to Captain Phil and the people of Central New York. It is our hope that not only will Phil’s children benefit from this scholarship but also others from this great area.
Brother of fallen Marine thanks CNY residents
by Chris Iven
Monday July 07, 2008, 2:40 PM
The following letter, by Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Arthur H. Dykeman, was received Sunday by Suzanne Ellis, North Shore reporter for The Post-Standard. Arthur Dykeman is the brother of Marine Capt. Philp J. Dykeman, who died June 26 in Iraq.
Words cannot express the gratitude to the people that helped us bring my brother home. Those of us that knew him talked about what kind of man Philip was, told stories to relive his life, cried, laughed and stared into the darkness in a vain attempt to understand.
Philip’s eulogy was not spoken, it was worn on the faces of those that lined the streets, displayed in the flags and salutes of those that served, of the children that waved. It was the saddest, proudest day of my life, proud to be from a place that holds true to its values and proud that the people here respect those that defend those values.
The people of the Oneida Lake region bestowed a great honor yesterday (Saturday), an honor to my brother and all of those in uniform and an honor to our community as the example for the nation to follow. I would love to be able to individually thank every family, person and organization that has helped but I cannot for fear of missing even one. I do, however, need to give special thanks to a few: the United States Marine Corps, the Patriot Guard, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vellas, every one of our firemen and (Constantia town Supervisor) Andrew Kelsey.
My brother and all of us that wear a uniform for this country are proud to serve for you. Thank You for your support.
With my utmost respect,
Arthur H. Dykeman,
Master chief petty officer, U.S. Navy
TeamDykeman Blog 