Douglas County ceremony honors America's veterans / LJWorld.com

Archive for Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veterans of all wars urged to share voices

Lawrence veterans, Verner Newman III, who served in the Navy during the Korean War, left, and Sam Brubaker, who served in the Army during World War II, trade stories in the parking lot following a Veteran's Day ceremony at the American Legion, 3408 W. 6th Street. About one hundred veterans, family members and supporters from the community attended the event.

By Will DuPree

November 11, 2009

Douglas County ceremony honors America's veterans

The United Veterans’ Organization of Douglas County gathered Wednesday to commemorate military service and sacrifice for Veterans Day. Enlarge video

Photo by Nick Krug

Lyn Faulconer, Lawrence, a member of the Sons of the American Legion, stands at attention following a 21-gun salute in honor of Veteran's Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at the American Legion, 3408 W. 6th Street.

The United Veterans’ Organization of Douglas County gathered Wednesday to commemorate military service and sacrifice for Veterans Day.

“That’s one of our things that we want to show these guys — the respect that they served their country,” Don Dalquest said.

Dalquest is commander of Lawrence’s American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post 14, which hosted the program. About 100 people attended the event, which featured guest speaker Gary Napier.

Napier, a Vietnam War vet, works for the mental health clinic at the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka. He said that Vietnam veterans often hold ill feelings about their service. Regardless, they should not be ignored.

“I would hope that they could come out of the shadows,” Napier said, “and join together in some of these groups and others, and have a voice in what we do honor in this country.”

While “Taps” was played to remember deceased veterans, those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan remained a main focus of Wednesday’s ceremony.

Tim Russell, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was presented a fishing pole for his service. Russell would like to see younger veterans get involved with the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars — not just for the resources available to them but also for the camaraderie.

“Everybody thinks it’s for the old-timers,” Russell said. “We need to get the younger (veterans) involved in it too.”

Discussion

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11 November 2009
at 7:45 p.m.

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Guardian (Anonymous) says…

To the defenders of our country and its freedom, I thank you and salute you.
12 November 2009
at 8:26 a.m.

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motherof4 (Anonymous) says…

Thank YOU to each and every Veteran for serving our country!!! Because of YOU we live in the land of the FREE! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
12 November 2009
at 9:40 a.m.

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9070811 (Anonymous) says…

It's not always about protecting our freedom. We selfishly thank them only for the service they do for us and “our freedom.”

Thank you veterans for your services in our country and around the world.
12 November 2009
at 1:58 p.m.

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countrygirl (Anonymous) says…

Thank-you Veterans.
12 November 2009
at 10:11 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

To all veterans; Guys and Dolls…………

Thank you!

You are owed a debt which can never be repaid.