On Veterans’ Day, members of the public gathered at the local American Legion Post 186 to honor the brave men and women who have given life and limb for our country. Representatives from every branch of the military were given a standing ovation and speakers came forward to discuss the importance of the holiday.
“The restoration of the observance of Veterans’ Day on November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans’ Day: a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for a common good,” said U.S. Navy veteran and American Legion 1st Vice Commander Lester A. Snyder.
Celebrated every year on November 11, Veterans’ Day is held on the same day as the signing of the armistice that halted the hostilities of the Great War. This is not the same day as the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the war some seventh-plus months later on June 28, 1919.
In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson recognized the fateful date as the inaugural commemoration of Armistice Day. Monday’s event began at 11:00 am to further pay tribute to the cessation of the conflict that was officially agreed upon at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month over a century ago.
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of all nations,” Snyder quoted Wilson.
Some veterans bear visible scars from their service while others carry the pain internally, whether it be surgical or emotional. Snyder asked if you meet a veteran to simply thank them for their service. As he put it, “That’s all most people need, and in most cases, it will be more than any medal that could’ve ever been or were awarded.”
After a salute to the former members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines, Post member Debbie Malin-Wurtz was proud to announce the renaming of the “The Bunker” to the Geoffrey Davis – Gary Newell Pavillion.
The patio where Monday’s festivities took place was given its original nickname by 2nd Vice Commander Newell, who was a jack-of-all-trades for the local American Legion post. Every time a new position opened up that needed work done, he accepted the mantle of responsibility. Every day, he would call Wurtz at 9:00 am to discuss the day’s itinerary. “I miss those calls,” she said.
Following the presentation of a certificate to his wife Joy, the younger generation received recognition as well. A group of students who recently returned from Girls State in Tallahassee were brought forward to recount their experiences at the state capital.
Then, former Springstead student Tristan Conway was acknowledged for his heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow student. For more on Conway, our coverage of his story can be found on page A 1 of this issue.
Rifles were fired to close out the event. As people chatted afterward, burgers were grilled outside in the warm November air. On Veterans’ Day, it is important to remember that the peace we all enjoy belies the immense difficulties that our service men and women have endured to maintain our freedom. As President Ronald Reagan famously said:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”
[Photo by Austyn Szempruch]
