By Chris Spangler
The men and women who have worn America’s military uniforms were saluted with a Veterans Day observance in Fort Atkinson Saturday morning.
The Paul Frank Florine Post 166 of the American Legion hosted a ceremony at the Legion Dugout, with Commander Joel Osmundson offering remarks.
He noted that Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 due to it marking the date ending the “war to end all wars.”
“The day was originally declared Armistice Day eight years after the end of World War I and honored only veterans of that war. Then in 1954, after World War II and then the Korean War, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all veterans who served America in war and defended democracy,” Osmundson said.
He noted that the men and women who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for freedom were ordinary people … until they heard the call of duty and answered it.
“They left their families, their homes and their lives, not for recognition or fame or even the honor we bestow upon them today,” Osmundson said. “They fought to protect our country, to maintain our way of life.”
He said Veterans Day also provides an opportunity to salute current servicepersons.
“The war on terrorism has helped us all realize how truly unique the American way of life is. The freedom we enjoy is extremely special, and that is why we must defend it,” the commander said.
Defending freedom is not the job of just the military, however, he pointed out.
“Each of us shares that duty and that responsibility,” Osmundson said. “We don’t have to join the army or the navy or any other organization of defense to actively defend our way of life. We can protect our freedom simply by maintaining it here in America.”
He suggested Americans preserve their freedoms by putting them in action: by voting in elections, speaking out against injustices, volunteering in communities and teaching children what it really means to be an American.
“Veterans Day isn’t just a day for veterans. It is a day for all Americans,” Osmundson said. “It’s a day to remember why they were fighting and a day for all of us to begin our journey of protecting our freedom and the freedom of many future generations.
“Let us walk toward tomorrow still honoring them by living in the freedom they protected,” he concluded.
Also during the program, Legion Chaplain Steve Leggett offered a prayer, the rifle squad shot a volley and “Taps” was played. A chili lunch followed.
Photos from the event follow.
Two photos above: Veterans Day ceremony attendees listen to a prayer followed by remarks from American Legion Commander Joel Osmundson, not pictured.
Veterans post the colors during the Veterans Day observance in Fort Atkinson.
The rifle squad shoots a volley in honor of veterans past and present.
American Legion Chaplain Steve Leggett, at left, offers remarks. He is joined near the podium by Commander Joel Osmundson.
American Legion Commander Joel Osmundson, at left, is the keynote speaker during Fort Atkinson’s Veterans Day program.
Chris Spangler photos.
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Beautiful ceremony and article. Thank you.