March 28, 2024

‘Thank You For Your Service’

Community pays tribute to vets at American Legion

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One sound could be heard at exactly 1:11 p.m. Saturday — the sound of 21 shots fired followed by the somber tune of a bugle playing “Taps” as community members turned their thoughts to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“I’m am here to honor the ones before us and those who are actively serving today,” Mayor Mike Hansen, who participated in the 21-gun salute, said. “It is important to instill in the younger folks and everyone who is participating in this. It is of value to serve our nation in some capacity.”

In accordance with Veterans Day, Newton residents, from young children to the mayor himself gathered at the American Legion Saturday morning to give their respects to the people who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The ceremony at the American Legion started exactly at 11:11 a.m. at the facility at 1101 W. Fourth St. S., in tribute to when all went quiet on the Western Front and the end of World War I. Flag bearers from various local veteran groups came through the doors accompanied by a bagpipe rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Ron Husted. Veterans stood in salute as the flags were placed in front of the podium.

Rev. Ken Van Loon, who serves as a chaplain for the United States Civil Air Patrol, took his spot on the podium and shared a message to veterans.

“You who are familiar with the reason we have gathered, you who are here in honor of our veterans, the story is familiar, but it is important to rehearse that story one more time,” Van Loon said. “The lesson is we are committed to one another. I am committed to the nation I am a part of. I am grateful we can remember the people who have done that.”

From the crayon sketches from children to the national anthem sung by a choir-quartet, organizers of the event said the ceremony served as a reminder to veterans and active-duty soldiers alike, that the community is here to support them.

No matter their current situation, the organizers said it is important to continue to support veterans because they made the ultimate sacrifice and risked their lives for the freedoms we have today.

“We need to protect our veterans and their families,” Judy Brassfield, the Vice President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 111 said. “We need all the help we can get with the community. The community has backed us and we are trying to back the community, everybody is in this together.”

Although the ceremony followed similarly to Veterans Day celebrations in previous years, many of the retired soldiers appreciated the event and said it was one to remember.

“I always remember this day,” World War II veteran, Earl Vogelaar said. “I think it is important to remember this day the things that our countrymen preserve because of the sacrifices of so many people.”

For more information about the American Legion Post 111, call 641-792-3353 or find American Legion Post 111 on Facebook.

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com.