Veterans Honoring Banquet: A gift from heart of community
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
With more than 360 veterans and families in attendance at the Circle of Trust Veterans’ Honoring Banquet our community made a statement: “We are here.”
I was worried that we would have a beautifully decorated space with a lot of empty chairs, a surplus of food left over and a heavy, embarrassing feeling that I might be missing the mark. Thanks to you, the community—it was a huge success. Our veterans came out to help support an event that was all about veterans and their families.
Every branch of service stood shoulder to shoulder, reaffirming their allegiance to each other, our community, and our country. The drummers, singers and posting of the colors flags remind us that our United States flag represents unity.
The Veterans’ Honoring held on Valentines’ Day at the Ronan Community Center was more than prime rib and salmon — it was about unity, community and reconnecting.
For a veteran, their service doesn’t have an expiration date, their service never ends—they are always willing to help and on this special evening, they proved it. Where else can you go and have beverages poured and a plate served to your table by full-dress uniformed veterans—with white gloves. It was memorable and appreciated by all. Thank you Gordon Fyant, US Navy Terry Morigeau, US Army and Dustin Burkhart, US Army water and tea never tasted so good.
The air in the room was filled with a term in the military “Esprit de corps,” meaning pride, fellowship, and common loyalty.
The round table was also set to show our everlasting concern for our MIA and POW’s. The linen cloth was white – symbolizing the purity of their motives. The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers. The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for them. A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return – alive or dead. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst. The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast. The chair was empty – but they will not be forgotten.
Army veteran Russ Harbin reminded us how important and invaluable wives and families are to those serving. When most people think about defending freedom, we think about troops serving but forget about the wife left with the daunting task of keeping things going at home. Few really know how challenging and difficult it can be for wives or family whose husbands or wives are deployed. Our wives, husbands and families are our lifeline and we need to honor their service on the home front.
It was quite an informative evening and many connections were made. Bert Todd, US Army veteran talked about yet another service organization, the Veterans Honor Guard with more than 30 members. The Veterans Honor Guard provides support with funerals, education on proper flag handling and flag raising and Gold Star Mothers. We are here to help our service brothers and sisters any way we can. It is not a job for us—its service for the community we give because we are veterans and we want to help our community.
Clarence (Clancy) Skaw, US Navy Corpsman, closed the evening with a soothing ballad and we hope to hear a lot more of his voice in future events.
Thank you goes to:
Mission Valley Honor Guard: Leo Tellier-US Navy, Homer Courville-US Army, Jack Drawatsky-US Army, Art Anderson-US Navy, Terry Morigeau-US Army and Navy, Dustin Burkhart-US Army, Jim Burkhart-US Army, Gordon Fyant-US Navy, Louie Blood-US Navy, Charlie Blood-US Army, Vic Stevens-US Army, Steve Bennett-USMC, Roy Labarrer-US Navy, Ray Stevens-US Navy, Kevin Elwood-USMC, Jeff Daniels-US Army, Lailani Upham-US Army; Frank Stanger Drum Group; Warriors Society: Dan Jackson-USCG, Gary Adolph-US Army, Bert Todd, US Army, Bill Rogers, US Army; CSKT Circle of Trust Youth Suicide Prevention Program, St. Char-Ro Floral, Kate’s Kitchen, DHRD Transportation, LCPL Tommy Parker, Veterans Honor Guard, Charleen Crenshaw-US Army National Guard for singing the National Anthem, Frank Stanger Drummers and Singers, Francis Stanger, Kasey Nicholson, Bill Kehoe, Mary Charlo, Navy Corpsman Ron Beams, Lake County Extension, Char-Koosta News, Valley Journal, Lake County Leader, Chuck Lewis, USMC; Sarah Joan Still Smoking, Lourdes Wahl and Iris Crumley who helped deliver beverages and desserts; and to all the veterans and families who filled the room to its maximum capacity.
