Veterans

Cronin Brothers VFW hosts annual Veteran Appreciation Day

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[November 16, 2018]  On Monday morning, Veteran’s Day celebrations continued in the area with the annual observance followed by ham and bean lunch hosted by the Cronin Brothers VFW in Lincoln.

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post has recently seen a change in command. Michelle Ramlow recently took the position of District 10 Commander 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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