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All servicemen and women honored in Mt. Pleasant
Henry County VFW and American Legion Commanders held a Veteran Days ceremony Monday morning
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — Continuing traditions that began nearly 100 years ago when Veterans Day began, the Mt. Pleasant VFW opened its doors to commemorate the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States military with a brief ceremony which included speakers, musical performances from the Mt. Pleasant Community High School Chamber Choir, and a three-volley salute with Taps.
Veterans saluted and community members present placed their hands over their hearts as they turned their gaze to the American Flag while the MPCHS Chamber Choir sang the national anthem.
“Do not confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day, which is a common occurrence,” Henry County Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittensberger said. “Memorial Day honors those who gave their life in service or died from illnesses or injuries that was created by service. Veterans Day is for all veterans who served, and I think it's important that we remember those things.”
After spending many years in Missouri, Salem American Legion Commander Mike Watson said he saw many celebrations for Memorial Day, but he never saw a Veterans Day Ceremony or heard “thank you for your service.” Watson couldn’t help but express his gratitude for the appreciation he receives in Iowa and Henry County and the ability to attend ceremonies like the one at the VFW for Veterans Day. Watson said he began to see this appreciation when visiting his son for a wrestling tournament at William Penn University.
“A young student came up to me, and she asked me if I was a veteran,” he said. “And it came out of nowhere. I wasn't really sure why she was even asking, and I told her I was, and she said, ‘Well, I just wanted to thank you for your service.’”
The young lady told Watson that she had seen the way he held himself during the national anthem and she just knew.
“Young college student in Iowa kind of kicked it off for me that there are people out here who really appreciate the service that we give them to our country,” Watson said.
Watson said he was very grateful for that interaction and all the other little moments of appreciation he has received along the way. He also thanked the MPCHS students in the choir for attending the ceremony. His gratitude appeared to be multiplied by other veterans present as the choir sang America the Beautiful and many were spotted softly singing along with them.
According to Pittensberger, Watson is one of approximately 23.2 million veterans living in the United States that served. Of those, 9.2 million are over the age of 65, 1.9 million are under the age of 35, and 1.8 million are women.
“It’s not just for men, it is for women, as well,” Pittensberger said. ‘Women service people, appreciate so, you as veterans, and it is about time we’ve done so. And at the VA in Iowa City, they are constructing new buildings and new organizations for women veterans, which has been a long time overdue, in my opinion.”
Mt. Pleasant VFW Commander Robin Daniel took the opportunity of this ceremony to recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“Today, more than 80,000 American veterans are missing from previous conflicts,” Daniel said. “I am compelled to represent them here today and to help bring awareness and education for our American veterans that are still out there and have not yet returned home.”
Daniel described the symbolism of the Missing Man Table to his left during the ceremony. The small table is set for one symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner against their oppressor. The white tablecloth shows the pure intentions of the soldier to respond to their Country’s call to arms. Lemons represent their bitter fate and salt the tears of their families as they wait for then. The glasses on the table are inverted because they cannot toast with their comrades.
“The chair is empty, because they’re not here,” Daniel said. “Remember all who served with them and called them comrades who depended on their might and aid and relied upon, relied on up them. Do not forsake them. Pray for them and remember them. You are not forgotten.
Avenue of Flags chairman, Honor Guard Commander, and American Legion Commander Dean King recognized the addition of four veterans to the Henry County Veterans Memorial, as well: Eugene M. Stewart, USMC, Max R. Stith, USA, Floyd William Patten, USMC, and Richard C. Davidson, USAF.
The ceremony ended in the parking lot behind the VFW with a 10-gun three-volley salute and TAPS played by MPCHS student Beckham Prough.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
