Washington veterans hold annual celebration despite imperfect weather

WASHINGTON - Jack Bonham was the first man in Washington County to be drafted into the Korean War. He missed the draft for World War II by six months but his three brothers went before him while he patiently waited his turn. On Monday, Nov. 11, Bonham joined several other veterans at the Blair House for a celebration.

Mike York, commander of the American Legion Post 29, said taking time out of the day to top and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day is essential.

'To all those who have served our country, thank you,” he said. 'For a lot of people, Veterans Day is just the opportunity to enjoy an extra day off from school or work, but this November 11th, we need to spend a few moments to acknowledge the men and women who have served in our armed forces.”

York gave a brief history of the day, saying it was originally called 'Armistice Day” and originated on Nov. 11, 1919, at 11 a.m., when the war ended. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to make the day an annual observance and in 1938 it became a national holiday.

He said his personal journey in the army was nothing like he thought it would be. He did not have to go to Vietnam during the war and did not think he deserved the honors, but after speaking with Sue Rich, the county's veterans services officer, he realized he did what he was asked to do by the country.

'It really spoke to me and I'm thankful for my brothers here at the American Legion,” he said.

Lonnie Milligan, a veteran from the Washington area, told a similar story. He said when he was in the service, a general came to do an inspection of his unit and asked someone what their job was. When the soldier responded that he was 'just a cook,” the general told him something different.

'He said if it wasn't for you providing the meals for these fellows they wouldn't be healthy, they wouldn't be fit, they wouldn't be ready to do their jobs if it wasn't for you. So you are more than just a cook,” he recalled.

Bonham said he had a similar feeling, of thinking he had it easy compared to other veterans. Even though the Korean War ended 66 years ago, he said he still thinks about what it was like.

'I did what they told me to do. I went where they told me to go. I performed the duties that I was assigned the best I knew how. If I had to do it all over, I would,” he said.