World War II Veterans and Veterans Widows honored at Christian Village

 

[April 04, 2023] 

On Tuesday morning the Christian Village partnered with the Central Illinois Veterans Commission, the local Marine Corps League, Senator Sally Turner and Representative Bill Hauter to honor World War II veterans and widows of veterans of the same era.

The event came about because of conversations between Marsha Fernandes of the CIVC and Bill Dennis of the local Marine Corps League. The two are among those who assist with a Tuesday morning men’s coffee at the Christian Village. Fernandes sees to it that all are served with coffee and breakfast sweets being the staples of the menu. Dennis is known as the “Shoe Polisher” and each week faithfully demanded that the veteran soldiers and their guests remove their shoes at the door so that he could polish them up nice and shiny, Military style.

During one of those morning coffees the conversation turned to the dwindling number of World War II veterans and mention was made that we should be honoring those soldiers who are still with us, while they are still with us.

Fernandes and Dennis set to work to make that happen. Christian Village Long Term Care Director Andi Halley, Residential Services Director Julie King, Chaplain Ryan Edgecombe, members of the Marine Corps League, Senator Turner and Representative Hauter came together to make it all happen.



Tuesday, Chaplain Edgecombe began the day welcoming all in attendance and paying special note to the Senator and Representative along with the Marines that were in the building. He recounted how the day had come to be and paid special thanks to the Marine Corps League saying the group is very helpful and supportive of the Christian Village community and it is much appreciated.

Edgecombe noted that Dennis was not present and said that he was currently in the hospital, but reports had it that he was recovering nicely and would soon be back polishing shoes. Joe Schaler of the CIVC was on the phone with Dennis during the entire program. Dennis did offer up a few words, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge the veterans and the veteran widows.






In Dennis’ place, Jim Harnacke with the Marine Corps League came forward to present gifts to the veterans beginning with caps with their insignia’s on the front and names embroidered on the back. There were also American Flag wood and Glass cases given to each veteran. The cases were hand made locally and had the name of each veteran.

Veterans who were honored included:

Paul Heins (U.S. Navy)
Bill Gossett (U.S. Air Force)
Harold Krusemark (U.S. Army)
William Tebrugge (U.S. Army Air Corps)
David Welty (U.S. Navy)
Kenneth French (U.S. Army Air Corps

Edgecombe had the honor of recognizing the widow wives of World War II Veterans, naming each one as well as their deceased husbands.



The six surviving widows included:

Ruth Aper (Widow of Walter Aper, U.S. Army)
Marguerite Warrick (Widow of Harlan Warrick, U.S. Marines)
Phyllis Martin (Widow of William Martin, U.S. Army)
Joan Behle (Widow of Eldon Behle, U.S. Army)
Dorthea Schmidt (Widow of Paul Schmidt, U.S. Army)
Donna Anderson (Widow of Louis Anderson, U.S. Army)

When Edgecombe finished, he introduced Senator Sally Turner, who had certificates for each honoree.

She began by offering her thanks to the members of Christian Village who so tenderly and lovingly care for our senior population who reside in the various units of the Christian Village.

From the left, Christian Village Chaplain Ryan Edgecombe, Representative Bill Hauter, CV Long Term Care Administrator Andie Halley, Senator Sally Turner, CV Residential Services Director Julie King, and representing the Central Illinois Veterans Commission Marsha Fernandes, Joe Schaler, Dan Benedict, and Annie Coers.

Senator Turner moved on to the veterans and all men and women of the armed forces. She said all deserved our appreciation and respect. Turner added, “They have defended our way of life and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation and all that it stands for. Without you brave men and women we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we have in our country. Your service is and should always be remembered and honored, and we thank you for our freedom. These Americans here today are the truest definitions of heroes. They willingly gave up the comforts that we too often take for granted to assure our security.

The former President Harry S. Truman once said, ‘Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.’ It has been nearly eight decades since President Truman said those words. Yet they still ring true. Thank you to the men and women who answered the call. Thank you to these heroes who gave their lives in defense of us and our freedoms. It is our privilege and honor to call you our friends.”

Senator Turner then introduced Representative Hauter who started off gathering the chuckles and outright laughs talking about his first visit to the Christian Village Men’s Coffee, while running for office. He noted he had been invited by Bill Gossett who thought he was Dr. Drew Hauter and Gossett liked Dr. Drew.

Representative Hauter quipped, “We did a bait and switch.”



Representative Hauter went on to say that when he arrived, the first encounter was a gentleman greeting him and the door with the command, “Take off your shoes.” Representative Hauter said, “I thought I was in the presences of greatness and needed to remove my shoes. Turns out it was Bill Dennis wanting to polish my shoes. I’m sorry he’s not here today, I brought along all my dress shoes for him to polish.”

He went on to say that he had a particular interest in the history of World War II. He has studied it and visited historical locations related to the war. Representative Hauter said that the World War II veterans are dwindling in numbers, and it is very important that they be remembered, but also that they share their memories so that their stories will go on to the generations to follow.

He said he was honored to be a part of the day. “Honoring you is honoring those that are not here that have passed on. We honor those that as Lincoln said, ‘gave the last full measure of devotion on the battlefield.’ So it is with deep gratitude we are here today to honor you all.



Julie King, accompanied by Tim Searby sang a beautiful arrangement of God Bless America, inviting the room to join in at will.

Chaplain Edgecombe shared an excerpt from the speech given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the day after Pearl Harbor.

“As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

“Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.”

After the reading, Edgecombe asked for all veterans of all wars in the room stand and be recognized then led the group in a closing prayer.

Cupcakes and coffee were offered to all those who wished to stay and visit.

[Nila Smith]