Cronin Brothers VFW hosts annual Veterans Day observance

[November 15, 2019]  The eleventh month, the eleventh day, the eleventh hour is the time that all American are asked to set aside in honor of our military veterans. However, according to a history read by Michelle Ramlow, VFW 1756 Post Commander there was a period of time when Veterans Day was assigned by the federal government to be held on the last Monday in October, regardless of the date.

The change came in 1968 as part of the “Uniform Holiday Bill” and was passed by congress in order to provide three days weekends for federal employees.

There were four such holiday changes: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Today three of those holidays still float through the calendar based on the bill passed by congress.

However, Veteran’s Day was returned to its original designation by President Gerald Ford beginning in 1978.

Ramlow offered this brief history on Monday morning at the annual gathering in honor of Veterans Day at the Cronin Brothers FVW Freedom Hall.

A large crowd attended on Monday in spite of the nasty weather. Inside it was warm and cheery as guests gathered and also mingled around the room prior to the 10:30 a.m. start time. Many veterans were in attendance and visited with each other as well as other guests who were there to thank the vets for their service to our country.

The day began with Ramlow welcoming everyone to the gathering. She acknowledged many of the special guests in the room including Mayor Seth Goodman, American Legion Post 263 Commander Bob Sullivan, Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment James Harnacke and Commander of the Hayes-Krell Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 159 Joe Schaler. Representing the Sons of the American Legion was John Cook.

Lois Allen (left) and Shirley Winterbauer performed the wreath ceremony

Past Department Commander for the VFW Vince Long was recognized along with the VFW Auxiliary President Lois Allen, American Legion Auxiliary President Shirley Winterbauer and Past Department President for the VFW Auxiliary Janet Long.

Ramlow also recognized the American Legion Post 263 Color Guard who would deliver the rifle salute at the end of the service. She thanked Mike Faulk of the Patriot Guard Riders saying the group had provided the flags for outside the building for the day.

She then introduced local vocalist Lesliegh Bennet to the podium. Bennett led the group in prayer. Ramlow then led the group in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Afterward, Bennett sang the National Anthem.

The guest speaker for the day was Captain Jessica Serafini, with the United States Airforce. Ramlow said that Captain Serafini is a Lincoln native and a graduate of Lincoln Community High School. Ramlow said she had the privilege of knowing the Captain when she was a young civilian trying to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up. She was very proud when Serafini made the decision to join the U.S. Airforce.

Captain Serafini is a nurse stationed at Scott Airforce Base in southern Illinois.

Captain Serafini said that Veterans Day should be a day of reflection, a day when Americans should take time to consider our legacy of freedom and liberty. She said it was a day to think about the awesome responsibility and what it takes to maintain our freedoms. She said that we should remember the generations of bravery and to take time to thank the men and women of the military for their contribution and sacrifice.

She said that to every American family, Veterans Day should mean much more than just a federal holiday. “It is on this day that we honor the contributions and sacrifices of more than 19.5 million veterans who proudly served our country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for liberty and justice. Every generation of American owes a debt of gratitude to these generous patriots.”

Captain Serafini went on to say there is a common bond and a “shared intensity of dedication” for all veterans past and present.

She said that our veterans have provided us with the unique opportunity to worship and to express our opinions without fear.

Captain Serafini concluded, “Maintaining the strength of the American ideal requires courage and constant vigilance against those who envy what we often take for granted. It requires great love for the American way of Life. Without the love, the dedication, spirit, and sacrifice of our veterans, tyrants and evil would prevail.

“Throughout our history, and for our veterans there is but one truth, one absolute, America will stand. If I could make one demand today, I would demand that our fellow citizens make our keepers of peace and protectors of our freedoms, our veterans with the care and respect they so richly deserve.”

At the end of her speech, Captain Serafini said that all veterans should be able to stand tall and know that they have served a grateful nation. She asked that all the veterans in the room stand and be recognized.

Immediately following the speech, the American Legion Color Guard administered the 21 rifle salute outside the front doors of the VFW. John Sutton then played taps at the back of the room.

Ramlow returned to the podium, thanking Captain Serafini and inviting everyone to stay for the traditional cornbread and bean lunch.

She also noted that on November 10th the Marine Corps celebrated its 244th birthday. There had been a celebration locally on Sunday night and left over “birthday cake” was being served after lunch.

She also noted that at the back of the room there was a table of “Mail Call” bags that had been prepared by local elementary students. She said that the students had made the gift bags as a part of their special lessons about Veteran’s Day. She thanked the students, teachers and schools for teaching the importance of Veteran’s Day to our youth and for providing a thoughtful gift for the veterans.

With those final words, the room was dismissed. Chairs were quickly folded up and put away and tables pulled out into the center of the room so guest could sit down and enjoy a meal.

[Nila Smith]