The overall message was not to mark this day each year as a celebration of victory, but rather as a celebration of those who advanced America’s commitment to freedom and made victory possible. I’ve spoken at many programs for Memorial and Veteran’s Day and this is something that we do because we are proud of our service to our country. The event concluded with a flag retirement ceremony.
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“It’s the turn of the Vietnam veterans to have a chance to be appreciated for the work that they’ve done”, said Martin Agee, who helps coordinate the parade for the council. Among those walking in the parade was Elmer Folsom, who came home from World War II and settled into a life as a teacher and eventually a dairy farmer.
Many of these veterans of past wars remain selfless to this day, making sure we continue to watch out for our veterans. It was a cold and misty day in the capital city, but that didn’t stop dedicated veterans from marching three miles this morning.
“This makes me feel great to enjoy because a lot of my old friends that served with me, they are gone”, said Vietnam War veteran Wilbert Gallop.
“So numerous World War II veterans, for example, are passing away”, Rob Lechner from Veteran’s Memorial Garden Advisory Committee, said.
A ceremony was held Wednesday to honor veterans in downtown Rochester. “It’s nice that we are recognized for the things that we do because when I came home, I got spat upon”.
Hank Stratman, project coordinator of Veterans Day Ceremony at Freedom Corner, said the group “puts on a ceremony every year to honor our veterans and to perhaps to educate our youth on the importance of service to our nation”. In fact, Veterans Day is largely meant to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty. The monument is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. and is similar to two other memorials the chapter has worked to erect in nearby counties.
They say coming to the wall and seeing the long list of names brings back memories about how they were treated when they returned from war.
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“We keep this the best we can so their spirits are always alive”, Madaio said. “No matter what the conflict is, we don’t have to support the conflict but we need to step up and support those who volunteer to serve”.
