Legion holds Veterans Day ceremony on island
Well over a hundred people attended the annual Pine Island American Legion Post #136 Veterans Day ceremony. Commander Tom Lewis greeted people as they arrived.
“This is a special day for all of us at the Legion,” Lewis said. “We have people here today that served in World War II and have served in every war since.”
Once Lewis called the ceremony to order, the Honor Guard marched in and took position. Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, Lewis addressed the crowd.
“On this day, Veterans Day, we are commemorating the service of veterans of all wars. We believe our strength on the field of battle, on the supply lines which nourished our armed might, lay in the justice of our cause against the forces of evil,” he said. “We believe our determination made us better warriors because we fought with our minds and our hearts as well as our bodies.
“We recognize service to our country and her cause does not end with the termination of military service,” he continued. “We continue our endeavors in behalf of an honorable world peace with a feeling of profound gratitude to God, and to the men and women who gave their lives as part of the cost of this noblest of causes.
“Out of blood and sweat we learned of purpose, sacrifice, tolerance, bravery and discipline. These are solid foundation stones upon which a great nation is built. In our continuing quest for an honorable world peace we must cultivate these virtues.”
Lewis was followed by Linda Lewis, representing the Auxiliary; Austin White, representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); Tom Larkin, American Legion; and Patricia LaCour, American Legion.
The Honor Guard closed the ceremony with a gun salute.
The Honor Guard and Color Guard consist of current members of the Legion Post, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. They participate in veteran funerals, parades and more. The decision to make the Honor Guard available is at the discretion of the post commander.
“I’d like to thank every veteran for their service and everyone that came today,” Lewis said. “These ceremonies are very important to remind people that these men and women served our country and that there are thousands serving today.”