A simple comment by one of those attending the Great Bend’s annual Veterans Day ceremony Monday morning summed up the meaning of the observance.
“Thank you for your service,” a man said, shaking the hand of a vet.
The remark came as the as the service came to a close, putting an exclamation point on what had been a poignant and somber event. Including patriotic music by the Great Bend High School marching band and a speech by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111 Commander John Johnson, it culminated at 11 a.m. – the time at which on Nov. 11, 1918, the armistice ending World War I was signed.
The tribute took place at in Veterans Memorial Park among rows of American and other flags. They whipped in the blustery autumn wind.
“Today, all across the nation, patriotic Americans are gathering at events like this one and are remembering the countless sacrifices of our nation’s veterans,” Johnson said, speaking against a backdrop of a gray sky and a blaze of yellow foliage. “As we honor them, we should also reflect on the many costs attached to our victories over tyranny and the man liberties we enjoy today because of their selflessness.”
Those who have served understood the values upon which America was built, he said. “They bravely answered the call to preserve them.”
This is not new, Johnson said. “Americans have always fought for their freedoms, dating back to our founding days and the Revolutionary War. Each page of America’s history is etched with the sacrifice of our armed forces.”
From the Revolution to the Spanish American War to WW I and WW II to the Korean Conflict to Vietnam to the Middle East, “our armed forces go wherever needed.”
Because of this, we as a nation own them not only our gratitude, but our support. “As Americans, we all equally share the responsibility to ensure that our veterans are cared for. Our veterans have earned the right to be treated with dignity and respect.”
A 21-gun salute fired by a rifle squad from the 4th Armored Re-enactment group and a GBHS student trumpeter ended the morning.