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
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.”
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
Guardian (anonymous) says…
To the defenders of our country and its freedom, I thank you and salute you.
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!!!
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.
countrygirl (anonymous) says…
Thank-you Veterans.