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 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:
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American Legion Post 263 Commander Kenny Wurth
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VFW Post 1756 Auxiliary President Lois Allen
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Past Department President of the Auxiliary Janet Long
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Robert Graue Marine Corps League - Commandant James Harnack
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Sons of the American Legion - Rob Kedrick
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Military Order of the Purple Heart - Joe Schaler
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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] |
