The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month did not pass without recognition Friday, as those who serve or have served in the military were honored at a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. This year’s Veterans Day speaker was VFW Post 3111 Commander Bert Thompson.
The Great Bend High School Band, directed by Grant Mathews, provided patriotic music, including “The Star Spangled Banner” and "Taps." The Rev. Dick Ogle gave the invocation and benediction.
Flags were presented by the following veterans: U.S. flag, Kenny Dreiling, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111; POW-MIA flag, Dave Krallman, American Legion Post 180; VFW flag, Brandon Kultgen; VFW auxiliary, Brian Ewing; American Legion Post 180, Boe Levingston; American Legion Post 180 Auxiliary, Juanita Dreiling; Sons of the American Legion Squadron 180, Rick Munsch; American Legion Riders Chapter 180, JP Postlewaite; Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27, Darrell Turley; and Sons of the American Revolution, Justin Engleman.
Thompson spoke about the origin of Veterans Day and noted its unique significance. While many see Memorial Day as a time to honor veterans who are deceased, Veterans Day pays tribute to all servicemen and servicewomen.
“It is the day we recognize not just those who have given their lives in war, but all those who have worn the uniforms of service. This day, above all, is an opportunity to celebrate the choice one makes to serve their country,” Thompson said.
“Roughly 1% of our population serves in the military.” He called on audience members to honor the debt all Americans owe to service members, past and present, in at least one of several ways.
“First, volunteer to help a veteran or service member, regardless of whether you are a veteran or not. We have many wounded veterans in our world who need your compassion and your support. Find a way to help them, whether through Veterans Affairs offices or state and local government outreach programs,” he said. “There are dozens of ways you can show your support to our nation’s heroes.
“Second, make an effort to promote military service for our youth. In a time of war, volunteers for service are hard to find, but I think promoting military service goes beyond that – we need to do a better job of letting our younger generation know that the military is a viable and valuable career option with unlimited opportunities.
“And finally, if you are a vet, please share your story with others,” he said. “Let everyone know what you’ve done so they can see the many faces of military service and appreciate the personal service of their neighbors. If you are not a vet, find someone in your life that is a vet and ask them about their service – or simply say thank you.
“The more we talk about what we do and the impact military service has on our lives, the better able we are to hold it up as an example of excellence.
“We have many, many examples of courage, service, and sacrifice to reflect on today. Let’s use this opportunity now, and on Veterans Day in the years to come, to celebrate service to our nation, to demonstrate the appreciation we have for our military and to inspire future generations to dedicate themselves in the name of the many that have come before them.
“As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.’ Today, we give thanks to live in a country where citizens from every generation willingly and courageously raise their hands to stand the watch.
“For all those veterans here today – thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I share the pride you feel in being able to count yourselves among that one percent – the greatest military in the world.
“For all those not in the military, thank you for choosing to share this special day with us and show your support of our heroes, past and present.”
