On November 11, the DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) hosted veterans of all wars and veteran's organizations to observe Veterans Day.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are fast approaching 11 a.m., the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month,“ Captain Hank Chinnery, (USN) ret./ president of DeWitt VVA #1029 said. “This time signifies the armistice or cessation between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, “The Great War.”
Clark Kerlick led the “posting the colors” ceremony as they marched down the aisle with flags. Attendees stood up facing east and solemnly bowed their heads in silence to remember all those who served, not only those who died but also those who sacrificed and did their duty.
“The Missing Man Table Ceremony” with the empty chair was very poignant, set with a white tablecloth, a single candle, the Bible, an inverted glass, and a single red rose in a vase, around which was tied a red ribbon.
“A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and families who seek answers,” Chinnery explained.
Billy Fischer led everyone in the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Tony Allen and Invocation by Melvin Jester.
Military branches were called out to stand during the Musical Veterans Recognition arranged by Ray Semper. Gold and Blue Star parents and grandparents were also honored.
Keynote speaker Chief Warrant Officer 4 Justin Hagel delivered a captivating account of history and presented a video that encouraged us to envision what the world might look like if America did not exist.
“The Revolution was the struggle for the creation of America. The Civil War was the struggle for the preservation of America.
War War II was the struggle for the protection of America. Our struggle today is for the restoration of America,” he said.
Referring to the parting words of George Washington to take a hand, Hagel asked the audience to take veterans by their hands when they see them and tell them “Thank You.”
Valerie Chinnery presented Hagel with a handmade quilt as a token of appreciation. A firing squad 21-gun salute was given, and the colors were retired.
5 D Steakhouse and other restaurants offered free dinners to veterans. A special thank you was extended to the veterans and their spouses, including Hagel, Larry Gohmert, Joe Adams, and Sgt. Kenneth Buenger, (USA) Ret./Treasurer of De-Witt VVA #1029 for their rifle and quilt auction. Velinda Geffert and Loretto Martin were appreciated for their quilt donations, as well as HEB for providing “Thank You” bags.
