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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Mt. Pleasant honors its veterans
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT - Tuesday, Nov. 11 marked Veterans’ Day.
At 10:30 a.m., a crowd gathered at the Veterans’ Hall in Mt. Pleasant to honor those who served. The focus was not just those who perished in defense of the country’s freedom, but those who fought, and lived, and deserve its support.
“Over two and a half centuries,” said Mike Watson, Commander of the Salem American Legion, “veterans have been the steady hands that kept our nation standing through war, division, and change. Their courage has guarded our freedom, but their example has guided our future. And when the battles ended, they came home to build our communities, to raise families, and lead by quiet example, proving that service to country does not end when the uniform comes off. As we look toward America’s 250th anniversary, let us remember this: That our strength has never been measured by the size of our armies, but by the character of those who serve. Veterans are the living proof that freedom endures because brave people are willing to defend it.”
Master of Ceremonies, American Legion Senior Vice Post Commander Dean King, spoke.
“Every veteran, whether they served in times of peace or war, made a promise,” he said. “A promise to protect our nation, to defend our constitution, and to stand ready when called. Some returned home to build our communities, teach our children, and serve in quiet ways. Others made the ultimate sacrifice, and never came home. We owe them, and their families, a debt that cannot be repaid, but can be honored. So, today, let us more than just say thank you, let us carry forward the spirit of service they embody. Let us support our veterans not just with words, but with action, by helping to give them opportunities, receive the care they deserve, and feel the respect they earn.”
Mike Watson
An American Legion honor guard fired three volleys in honor of those who served. Their weapons: The M1 Garand, American battle rifle of the Second World War and Korean War. The Garand carries heavy symbolic weight: compared to the bolt-action Kar98k, main arm of Nazi Germany, or the Japanese Arisaka, it provided a faster rate of fire, with a larger magazine, and comparable stopping power. This weapon, among many others, gave Allied troops an edge over the enemies of freedom. But the war was not won by the Garand, or the P-51 Mustang, or even the atomic bomb. It was won by the bravery and sacrifice of average, everyday people, many of which were conscripts. People who left behind their homes and families to fight in defense of liberty. People who would return forever changed by what they’d seen - if the returned at all.
The price of our liberty is high.
Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com
