They enjoyed another locally prepared feast with freshly baked
carved turkey, freshly baked country ham, homemade coleslaw,
homemade cranberry salad with fresh walnuts atop, another homemade
cranberry salad with pecans atop, oodles of homemade deviled eggs,
yams, green beans, turkey dressing, homemade light-brown gravy and
sundry garnishes.
Many desserts were offered, among them homemade
pumpkin squares with whipped cream topping, homemade pumpkin pie and
homemade angel food cake with that special Louise Voelker freshly
squeezed orange juice icing.
Colorful centerpieces depicting
military personnel were provided by Mount Pulaski Zion Lutheran
primary students.
Bob McCue, Mount Pulaski Post 777 member and commander of Mount
Pulaski American Legion Ryman-Fuiten Post 447, was invited to talk
about our American veterans and several aspects of our proud
American military history.
McCue quoted one source that reported President Lincoln's
response to a desertion case: "Mr. Lincoln called many cases of
military cowardice his ‘leg cases' because ‘if Almighty God gives a
man a cowardly pair of legs, how can he help their running away with
him?'"
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McCue spoke of our war heroes as not only those on the front
lines, but also those who have been and are now at stateside working
feverishly making war munitions, military clothing and special
foodstuff for our country's military efforts. He discussed that
while not all front-line soldiers, sailors or pilots are as brave as
others, they nevertheless take their place and do the best they can,
for even the best of our combat heroes are usually somewhere between
that awful feeling of not wanting to be killed and that of not
fearing to fight. In most cases they exhibit their fervent desire to
help protect those around them.
McCue recognized the women of our nation's veterans auxiliaries
who continue to be there and lavishly support our men and women who
have served or are now serving our country.
Special guests were recognized: Connie Wilson, VFW 10th District
Auxiliary president; John Richter, VFW 10th District service
commander and inspector; and Vince Long, former Illinois VFW
commander and now VFW 10th District quartermaster.
[Text and photos by PHIL BERTONI,
Mount Pulaski VFW Post 777 quartermaster]
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