Mount Pulaski observes Veterans Day with traditional VFW Post 777 dinner & speaker
 

[November 14, 2012]  MOUNT PULASKI -- The Women's Auxiliary of the Mount Pulaski Veterans of Foreign Wars Scroggin-Gee Post 777 hosted their annual Veterans Day dinner for all area veterans, their spouses and children on Monday evening. Nearly 50 were present in the Post 777 hall on the west side of the Mount Pulaski square.

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?'"

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]