American Legion, VFW recognize Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day did not go unobserved on Pine Island. Both service organizations held ceremonies. A joint ceremony of American Legion Post 136 and VFW Post 4353 began at 11 a.m. at the Legion.
Tom Ruscik gave a moving speech to a roomful of men and women, many of whom wore hats or shirts with the insignia of their respective organizations.
Ruscik first commended Medal of Honor winner Sgt. Dakota Meyer for his heroic actions in Afghanistan. Ruscik then honored the more than one million men and women in the military who have lost their lives serving the United States since its founding.
Finally, Ruscik reminded those gathered that military spouses also have made countless sacrifices for the country.
“Without our veterans, America would not be America,” Ruscik said.
Ruscik recommended that locals show their gratitude to veterans in three ways: by hiring them, by simply thanking them whenever they encounter them or by making the effort to visit a VA hospital.
A disproportionate number of veterans are among the homeless, and this is another issue that must be addressed, he said.
A 1979 book by Tom Wolfe, “The Right Stuff,” told the story of the Mercury astronauts. Ruscik asserted that anyone who has worn the uniform of the U. S. military with honor has the right stuff.
Ruscik left the overflow crowd with one final question to ponder, “Are we serving veterans even half as well as they served us?”
A little later, many residents as well as the Legion honor guard proceeded to the VFW Post 4353 for the laying of a memorial wreath.
Auxiliary member Jean Freda placed an American eagle statue in front of the post some years ago. Through the efforts of many of the members, that statue has been refurbished over time. The statue, however, had never had a proper dedication ceremony.
VFW Commander Mike Adams and Freda placed a wreath to honor all the past, present and future veterans and their families.