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Tuesday, November 11th, veterans
and guests joined together at the Cronin Brothers VFW Freedom Hall
for the annual Veteran’s Day celebration followed by a ham and bean
lunch.
The hall was two-thirds filled with
chairs for guests, and almost all of the chairs were filled.
The program was conducted by Bill
Stauffer with Lesleigh Bennett singing the National Anthem, Stuaffer
delivering the keynote address, and the American Legion Post 263
color guard delivering the three-shot volley at the end of the
service. VFW Auxiliary president Theresa Pourchot performed the
traditional placement of the wreath.
Stauffer began the day by
acknowledging American legion Post 263 Commander Gene Hickey, VFW
Post 1756 Past Commander Vince Long, Past VFW District Commander
Michelle Ramlow-Harnacke, VFW Auxiliary Past President Janet Long, VFW
Auxiliary President Theresa Pouchot. Stauffer also recognized the
color guard from the American Legion then asked all to stand for the
invocation and remain standing afterward for the Pledge of
Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.
For his speech, Stauffer began by
thanking all those in attendance for coming together at the
“Eleventh month, eleventh day, eleventh hour.”
He noted that he too is a veteran
and has put on the uniform to defend the freedom that is enjoyed by
us all.
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He said, “On a day like this, I
want to share what Veteran’s Day really means. This is not just
a holiday, it is not to be confused with Memorial Day. Veteran’s
Day is a day to celebrate the living. A day to recognize every
individual who has worn the uniform, in war or peace, active or
reserve, from the day they raise their right hand to this
moment. This is an opportunity for America to say with a united
voice ‘your service matters’.”
Stauffer went on to say that the day was about honoring the
sailor on the sea, the Marine fighting any time and place, the
soldier holding the line, airmen in the skies and every coast
guard member watching our shores. He said that every member of
the military has left the comforts of home and their loving
families to defend our freedom.
He went on to say that Veteran’s Day was also a time to remember
those who had fallen, and it was especially a time to remember
those who are lost, the ones who were taken as prisoners of war.
He said the country should not rest until every missing person
alive or deceased is accounted for.
When Stauffer concluded his
message, there was the laying of the wreath, then the color guard
delivered the three-shot volley just outside the front door of
Freedom Hall.
The day concluded with a
benediction also delivered by Stauffer, then an invitation for
everyone to stay and enjoy lunch prepared by the ladies of the VFW
Auxiliary.
In the back of the room there was
also sweet treats for each veteran to take one as they left for the
day.
[Nila Smith]
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