Lincoln VFW Post 1756 honors our heroes on Veteran’s Day

[November 17, 2016]  LINCOLN - On Friday morning, the Cronin Brothers VFW Post 1756 hosted its annual Veteran’s Day Celebration at Freedom Hall in Lincoln. The room filled quickly with veterans from all wars and all factions of the military, and joined by local citizens eager to show their appreciation for the service of the United States Military in general, and to honor our local heroes specifically.

The day came to order with VFW Commander Michelle Ramlow welcoming veterans and guests.

The guest speaker for the day was Marine Corp League Commandant Jim Harnacke. Harnacke spoke about the challenges of today’s soldier because our enemies are no longer soldiers who face us, but men hiding behind masks in dark caves. He said these people commit violent crimes in the name of God, but we as Americans know that God is on the side of right and justice, and is with the American soldiers as they join together to battle those who threaten the future of all people.

Harnacke said that veterans are just ordinary people, performing extraordinary deeds “with heroism and valor, ready to risk their very lives.”

Harnacke noted that we as American have a duty a responsibility to our veterans to never forget the sacrifices they all have made and to “make sure their service is never forgotten.”

Harnacke said that many are the times that he as a soldier has heard the words “Thank you.” He said the words are kind and appreciated, but we should all show our gratitude through our deeds. He named off many of the local organizations in Logan County that support veterans and would appreciate help in any way we can give.

Harnacke ended with a quote from President Ronald Reagan in a Veteran’s Day speech in 1988. “For too long a time, they stood in a chill wind, as if on a winter night's watch. And in that night, their deeds spoke to us, but we knew them not. And their voices called to us, but we heard them not.

"Yet in this land that God has blessed, the dawn always at last follows the dark, and now morning has come. The night is over. We see these men and know them once again -- and know how much we owe them, how much they have given us, and how much we can never fully repay. And not just as individuals, but as a nation, we say we love you.”

On display was the tribute to the fallen soldier, and the wreath laying ceremony was performed by representatives from the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries.

As the ceremony came to a close, the American Legion Color Guard fired a three-round volley salute as John Sutton played Taps.

When the ceremony was closed, all guests were invited to stay for a ham and bean lunch provided by the VFW.

[Nila Smith]