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WHAT VETERAN’S DAY MEANS TO ME
by
Leland Warren
LFHS Principal, Jay Hoffman, Claire Dillon, Nikhil Mulani, Leland
Warren, Post 264 David Nash
Throughout America’s 232 year history, since the time of the Revolutionary War, men and women have been called
to serve, guard, and secure the American ideals of freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; they mobilized to
combat when America's interests as a free nation were threatened.
Although the Veterans Day
holiday developed since the end of World War I to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of America's veterans, like so many
other customs in today’s culture, this tradition seems to have lost much of its meaning. Many Americans are unaware
that Veteran’s Day is not associated with supporting war or with or any particular political party. It is simply
about honoring past and present solders for their service to our country. During the Twentieth Century, America’s men
and women were enlisted to fight the ‘War to End all Wars,’ better known as World War I; they defended Europe
and responded to the attack against Pearl Harbor in World War II, and later responded the call to fight for America’s
way of life in Korea and Vietnam. In more recent years, American troops have been tested in Desert Storm as well as
in the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
I first became aware of the concept of
veterans as a young child, listening to stories
from my Poppa Bruno who served in Okinawa during World War II. He has often
recounted how a generation of young men and women placed their lives in the line of fire, far away from their families and
loved ones, how they fought courageously for freedom, and sagely advised that we “should never forget what our brave
boys did for all of us.”
Following the war, Poppa Bruno and his brother soldiers
returned home, joined their local American Legion or VFW, and became part of the American rhythm of life. Our veterans
became the backbone of our nation through quietly serving their communities in various capacities and raising their families.
In exploring the real meaning of Veteran’s Day, the simplistic message of this
World War II veteran rings true, “We should never forget what our brave boys did for all of us.” Americans should
be obliged to celebrate Veteran’s Day as an annual day of gratitude and remembrance. In each era of our country’s
history, veterans selflessly replied to the call of their nation. No fancy parade, solemn ceremony, medal, or sum of money
can obliterate the memories of war nor replace the precious time that soldiers were required to spend away from home and relatives.
Americans should never forget that the nature of the world we live in often requires that some in our society serve to
defend the security of our entire nation. The service of veterans has allowed all Americans to enjoy better lives. We in this
great nation should reflect upon the words of Winston Churchill as we consider the enormous debt of gratitude owed to past
and present veterans in the defense of freedom, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to
so few.”
Each American should celebrate every Veteran’s Day by reaching out to
convey gratitude to a veteran, whether it is an unfamiliar man or woman currently in military uniform to a longtime acquaintance
who served their country many years ago. In the spirit of thanks and commemoration, we must let all veterans know that we
have valued their personal sacrifice on behalf of our nation and that the citizens of America are truly grateful for their
service. It is through demonstrating an enlightened spirit of thanksgiving that the true purpose and meaning of Veteran’s
Day will be renewed in the hearts and minds of all Americans.
2008-10-10 LF Football Field - Flag Pole Ceremony Photos by Jerry Thompson
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| Tom Witter, David Lee, Mr. & Mrs. Swalgren |
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| Tom Witter, David Lee, Mr. & Mrs. Borders, Lisa Pommer, Mike Rafferty, Jerry Thompson, Bob Pommer. |
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| The Scouts in action! |
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| Lake Forest High School Band 2008 |
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| New Score Board |
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| left to right - Timothy L. Burkhalter - LFHS Athletic Director, David Lee - Commander McKinlock Post |
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| Mike Rafferty Class of '57], Chris Johnson, Ellie Swalgren Boarders [Class of '57], Tom Witter, Tim |
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| Time Burkhalter, Tom Witter, David Lee, Jerry Thompson, Ellie Borders, Mike Rafferty & Chris Johnson |
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| LFHS Band, Color Guard/Rifle Squad - Bill Malich, Ed Smith, George Kouba, Larry Crone, Tom Marks & B |
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| LFHS Student singing our National Anthem - Lake Forest High School Band playing with McKinlock Post |
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| McKinlock Post 264 Color Guard & Rifle Squad - Bill Malich, Larry Crone, Ed Smith, George Kouba, Tom |
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| McKinlock Post 264 Color Guard & Rifle Squad - Bill Malich, Ed Smith, Larry Crone, George Kouba, Tom |
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| Fans getting restless for game to start |
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| Is this a great evening or what? |
Here's a few pictures of Flag Day @ McKinlock
Post & the VA Hospital Carnival Hosted by District #10 - McKinlock Post 264 Photos by Jerry Thompson
As always, the shooting gallery was headed by Larry Crone
with assistants George Kouba & Jerry Thompson.
George Nauman Cmdr & Joseph Grossman of the Highland Park
Post also assisted in loading the corks for the VA Hospital attendees.
Commander Nauman & Joe Grossman are receiving their
"Gift to the Yanks Award" presented by Larry Crone to the Highland Park Post.
Flag Day Ceremon with the
traditional burning of worn out Flags.
This event was usually
held at Market Square, but because of poor attendance [in previous years] it was held at the Post Home this year.
Commander David Lee and Sr. Vice Commander Steve King
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