“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
George Washington
A massive American flag waved in the brisk cool breeze above Calhoun Street on Saturday, Nov. 11, commemorating Veterans Day in West Liberty, courtesy of the WL Fire Department.
Underneath, the honor guard of American Legion Post #509 fired their rifles into the air, a 21-gun salute honoring the men and women who have and still serve in the U.S. armed forces.
“Veterans Day is a time to remember all who have served,” said Lt. Colonel Promotable Saul Arroyo, the day’s keynote speaker from the Rock Island Arsenal, located in Rock Island, Ill.
He addressed a gathering of veterans and their families in the West Liberty Legion Auxiliary building, where he emphasized that honoring veterans is the best way to encourage future generations to serve.
“Prospective soldiers observe how we take care of our veterans and our military service members as they consider serving themselves,” he said. “Duty to our country is a prime reason many want to serve in the army.”
LTC Arroyo has been a member of the U.S. Army for 28 years. It’s a career he’s proud of, and it’s a career he believes many Americans should consider.
However, he’s mindful of the future, stating that only one percent of our nation serves in the military, and 61 percent of those were exposed to military service through friends or family.
“It’s truly an indicator that veterans have firsthand knowledge of the benefits of a military career,” he said. “And can bridge the gap between those who are familiar with service and those who have never considered the military as a career.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s all-volunteer force. In 1973, then President Richard Nixon announced the military would fill its ranks exclusively with Americans that made the choice rather than draftees.
Prior to this millions of Americans had been drafted to serve in the U.S. military and the many wars and conflicts between the 1940s to 1973.
According to LTC Arroyo the choice to serve relies on how future generations see current veterans treated. That choice is what will impact the future of the United States of America.
Kevin Minor, Commander of West Liberty’s American Legion, kicked off the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, then thanked everyone for attending.
Specifically, he thanked the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for helping organize the event.
“There’s a large number of veterans here in the community,” he said. “This is something that needs to be done to honor all of the people here that have served.”
Deb DeVore was on hand for the ceremony’s opening prayer. “We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them,” she concluded. “We pray that You will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness.”
After the ceremony, all the men, women and children who attended crowded back into the American Legion building for cookies and camaraderie.
However, the words of LTC Saul Arroyo still rang clear from his earlier address.
“These are not just former soldiers, they are soldiers for life,” he stated. “They are uniquely qualified to advocate for, and connect with the public by telling their stories.”
Thank you to all who have served.