Memorial Day

Honoring those who sacrifice for our country’s freedoms observed at Lincoln American Legion

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[May 29, 2019]  Among the many observations held in the county for Memorial Day was the annual ceremony and luncheon held by the Lincoln American Legion Post 263.

The ceremony was held primarily inside this year. Before those in attendance were invited for a meal of ham, beans and homemade cornbread, a guest speaker was invited to say a few words.

Ron Otto is the Pastor at the Lincoln Christian Church. Otto was asked to give this year’s speech honoring veterans in the community.

Otto spoke of his own history, not as a veteran, but as a father to one. Otto did not serve in the armed forces, and multiple times during his speech he spoke of his regret in not doing so. “Looking back I regret that. As one author puts it, men spend a lot more time not doing what they didn’t do than what they did,” said Otto.

Ron Otto’s son, on the other hand, is a veteran; Matthew Otto graduated from the Army with honors. He was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, and he spent one year in Afghanistan. “My wife and I spent that year on our knees,” said Pastor Otto. After that, Matthew Otto attended the University of Colorado, and then was recruited by the Air Force, where he received a leadership award.



Pastor Otto said he and his wife are not alone in being proud parents of a veteran. Unfortunately, not all of those children come home from overseas.

“We were the lucky ones, we got our son back healthy,” said Pastor Otto. “There are many here today that stand by a grave they never wanted to stand by.”

Pastor Otto also expressed confusion over what he felt he should say to veterans. “If I stay silent, that feels inappropriate. If I say thank you, that feels too small.” Throughout his speech, Pastor Otto continued to express his confusion over what to say to people who serve to defend the country’s freedom.

Pastor Otto repeated his regret that he couldn’t stand with veterans in our community. “I stand with people today, all across this nation, thanking military members for their willingness to serve. I stand in deep appreciation for those who made the supreme sacrifice.”

Pastor Otto wondered if it was wrong for a preacher to be motivated by stories of soldiers serving their country. “There’s something about…I cannot deny,” said Pastor Otto, and he mentioned several important historical battles in US military history. “Is it wrong for me to like that?” he asked.

Pastor Otto quoted another author who wrote, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him - his country.” Again, Otto repeated his question: “Is it wrong that I like that?”

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At the end of his speech, Otto followed up his questions by thanking veterans again with this: “Many in this world have never known a day of freedom, but I have never known a day without it.”

Pastor Otto’s speech was followed by a 21-gun salute held outside and a rendition of “Taps.”

Joe Schaler gave a brief benediction prayer as the ceremony began, and he gave the ending prayer as well.

Leslie Bennet sang the National Anthem as well as “God Bless America” as the ceremony ended.

[Derek Hurley]

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