Veterans

Lincoln VFW remembers our veterans on Veterans Day

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[November 13, 2020]   Where there is a will there is a way, perhaps no one understands that better than our soldiers who have served our country in times of peace and times of conflict. This week with the coronavirus spiking in most of the state, hosting annual Veteran’s Day events took on a new look for many.

The virus could not stop local organizations from doing what was right within their communities. But, it did change the process and the program for many. In Lincoln, that was the case. The Cronin Brothers VFW Post 1756 hosted an abbreviated event, strictly following Covid-19 guidelines and also strictly limiting the number of attendees.



Inside Freedom Hall there were fewer than 25 people in attendance on Wednesday morning. Chairs were spaced out and not one person present was there without a face mask.



VFW Commander Michelle Ramlow greeted the handful of guests and local media who were on hand covering the event.



Ramlow led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and introduced the various military and veteran organization representatives:

  • American Legion Post 263 Commander Kenny Wurth

  • VFW Post 1756 Auxiliary President Lois Allen

  • Past Department President of the Auxiliary Janet Long

  • Robert Graue Marine Corps League - Commandant James Harnack

  • Sons of the American Legion - Rob Kedrick

  • Military Order of the Purple Heart - Joe Schaler

  • Past Department Commander VFW State of Illinois Vince Long

Ramlow introduced and also sent sincere thanks to the Patriot Guard members. She noted that the guard had provided the American flags that were strategically placed all around the VFW post building.

Opting not to have a guest speaker this year, Ramlow delivered the keynote address.
 


“For some, it might have been easier to forget about today and make a promise to ourselves to make it up next year with a bigger celebration.” She said that she was honored that a number of guests had set aside time in their day to recognize and celebrate the day as it should be, honoring veterans.

She went on to say that Veterans Day is a day for Americans to remember. To remember the wars that have been fought to defend and protect our freedoms as a country and to remember the sacrifices of those who provided that protection and defense is the reason to celebrate Veterans Day.

Ranlow went on to say that for all veterans “We understand that Veteran’s Day is a day of deep significance and opportunity. To us it isn’t just another day to be overlooked and ignored. To the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and the auxiliary it is a day to both celebrate and to honor the millions of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen, who have selflessly gone wherever and whenever they were called.”

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Ramlow said that the day was also a day of reflection. She said that she had been asked many times what Veterans Day actually meant to veterans. She said as a veteran herself who is from a family of military and having known many military, that the questions should have been easy to answer, but when pondering it, she found it to be more difficult to put into words than she had imagined.
 


She offered her summation, “I can tell you now that those of us who served in the military, we share common values. Serving our nation brings with it a special bond that is forged by common experiences. Veterans differ in every way imaginable. We possess equal love for our home, our family and our country. I believe each of us have a deeper appreciation for freedom and take a special pride in knowing that we have been responsible for assuring that freedom remains. Not just for Americans but for so many around the world. I hope that today serves to motivate us all with a renewed sense of patriotism, purpose and pride. For America is truly the best country on earth as a direct result of those who have fought for it.”



When Ramlow had finished, the auxiliary performed the ritual of the laying of the wreath. The patriotic themed wreath was stood in front of the traditional, boots, bayonet and helmet that serves as a reminder of the lives lost for American freedom.

 



The American Legion Color Guard then assembled outside the front door of Freedom Hall for the traditional three-shot volley in salute to all veterans.

At the completion of the service Ramlow noted that there would be no ham and bean lunch this year. However, the auxiliary had prepared bowls of homemade chicken soup and each guest was invited to grab a container as they exited and enjoy lunch on the VFW.

Ramlow conclude the day with simple words steeped in deep meaning “God bless America.”


[Nila Smith]

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