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 The local Veterans of Foreign Wars
post
has recently seen a change in command. Michelle Ramlow recently took
the position of District Commander of the 10th district of the Veterans of Foreign War –
Illinois. Replacing her in command at the local post is Casey
Lore.
Lore led the program on Monday at the VFW Freedom Hall, and also
provided the guest commentary for the day.
The event began with the traditional opening prayer offered this
year by Pastor LC Sutton of Eminence Church. Local vocalist Lesleigh
Bennett sang the National Anthem and Lore led the group in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Leaders of local veteran’s organizations were introduced and all
veterans and active duty military were thanked for their service.
Jim Harnacke, Commandant of the Bob Graue Marine Corps League
Detachment 1336 in
Lincoln, spoke about the new Hometown Hero program that is being
implemented by the Lincoln Rotary Club. He explained that he had
been asked to join a committee consisting of Carrie Pethy of the
Rotary, and Ron Keller of the Lincoln City Council. The goal is to
have banners honoring our military, both veterans and those
currently serving, with banners that will be hung on the lamp posts
around the square in downtown Lincoln. Once that area is filled, if
needed the banners will then be extended onto other streets working
from the square outward.
Harnacke explained the program and the cost involved.
He said that the Rotary had received a grant to assist with the
cost, and the city of Lincoln would provide the labor and equipment
to hang the banners. Family members who wished to have a banner
honoring their loved one would pay a cost, and would need to fill
out an application and turn it into the Rotary.
Harnacke said there was one caveat to the program and that pertained
to active duty military personnel who are involved in high security
positions. He said there are occasions when a family is not informed
of what their serviceman is doing, or where he or she may be. He
noted that this is a case of ‘loose lips sink ships,” and family is
not told what is going on so that they cannot even accidently share
that information. Having a high security person revealed could
become a life threatening situation if the information got into the
wrong hands. Harnacke said in this day and age of cyber spying
something as innocent as a name and photo on a banner could put an
entire operation in jeopardy. Because of this. Those military
personnel who are in such a position would require written
permission from their commanding officer(s) before applying for a
banner.
Lore kept his commentary brief. He opened with a thank you to all in
attendance and said that it was a true honor for him to be there
recognizing the many members of military service.
He recalled that this is the 100th anniversary of the original
Armistice. This was the Armistice of the Great War, then dubbed as
the war to end all wars – World War One. Later the event would be
renamed as Veteran’s Day, after World War Two.
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 He then delivered a brief speech of thanks saying
that Veteran’s Day means more than just a federal holiday. It is a
day to honor and remember more than 22 million Americans who
throughout history have made the ultimate sacrifice for the
liberties and freedoms all Americans can enjoy.
Lore said, “Every generation of Americans undoubtedly
owes a debt of gratitude and appreciation to all these veterans’ and
we must do everything we can to make sure that the men and women who
serve today’s and tomorrow’s military receive what they need to
accomplish their mission of safe guarding America’s interests.”
He said that just as the military stands ready to defend and support
our nation, the VFW stands ready to provide support to returning
veterans who also need support and assistance. He noted that the men
and women in uniform today share the same values and beliefs as
those who have served in past generations, their strong desire to
serve and their deep sense of duty. They take on the risks and do
for us what many of us are unable to do for ourselves, putting
others before self in all cases. Lore
concluded his commentary saying, “The citizens of our great nation
can rest assured that our values and freedom are being fearlessly
guarded by a greatly determined and highly dedicated military.
Gallant soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen will
willing bear the cost of America’s wars and continue to stand watch
over America’s ideals. For every single man and woman who has donned
a military uniform, by virtue of their military service, today is
their day to stand tall and be recognized by a grateful nation.
Today and every day, we must take the opportunity to keep alive the
sacrifices and the accomplishments of our nation’s veterans and we
must embrace every occasion to educate future generations, the
public and elected officials on the accomplishments and the
importance of the needs of our veterans.”
When Lore concluded his commentary the American
Legion Post 263 Color Guard delivered the three shot volley while
John Sutton played taps. Lore offered up a prayer of benediction;
then American Legion Auxiliary Vice-President Diane Farmer and Past
Department President of the VFW Auxiliary Janet Long performed the
ceremonial laying of the wreath.
Lore then announced that the day’s ceremony was concluded but that
all guests were invited to stay for the ham and bean lunch.
This year, it was noted by Joe Schaler of the Military Order of the
Purple Heart that around Lincoln specifically there have been more
Veteran’s Day services than ever in the past. He finds this
encouraging as he feels as many others do, that we too often take
Veteran’s Day as a holiday without actually stopping to think about
what it means, what it stands for, and who it is meant to honor.
In another article in today’s edition, you will read that a group
sang the Lee Greenwood song, 'God Bless the U.S.A.,' at a veteran’s
dinner.
Though not written as a Veteran’s Day song, there is one phrase that
should ring home to everyone on Veteran’s Day and every other day of
the year.
And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
Thank you to our military men and women past, present… and future.
[Nila Smith]
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