 On The Line -- Issue 610 -- November 24, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
On The Line -- Issue 610 -- November 24, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
For the first time in recent memory the traditional Veterans' Day service on the morning of Nov. 11 was held inside because of rain. Most of those who attend it regularly would have braved the elements but because it was honoring World War II veterans, it was moved inside.
The day originally commemorated those who served in the American military services during World War I, which ended on Nov. 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 made it a day to be remembered annually. The World War was to have been the war that ended all wars but Man's dreams were greater than his instincts, and a second global war began in 1939, 21 years after the first had ended. Korea followed, then Vietnam, the first Gulf War and now Iraq, the latter already running as long as America's participation in World War II. That is not to mention the many sorties around the globe to which our military forces have been dispatched. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, proclaimed that what until then had been called Armistice Day would be observed as Veterans' Day, honoring the services of all who had worn their country's uniforms in war or peace. Even though many people have contested the validity of succeeding wars, it is a narrow-minded person indeed who would deny the honor due those who serve in our armed forces in war or peace. Some people who wanted society to look upon them as heroes ridiculed servicemen returning from Vietnam, even to spitting in their faces, for what they determined to be an unjust war. Wars, including this one, are often unjust but it is not because of those who answer what they perceive to be their country's needs by enlisting in its armed forces. Those service personnel who tormented prisoners for their own dark needs, or those who systematically raped and killed civilians are glaring exceptions to that sense of valor. And they are glaring exceptions to the rule. Dishonor a 19-year old whose enlistment was motivated by patriotism or make light of men and women who have lost their limbs in fighting in a war? Only those with dead souls, who see nothing higher than their own warped desires would detract by even one iota from their service. Every American or foreign-born person from George Washington up to the youngster who enlisted today deserves our gratitude for keeping our nation strong, whether safeguarding in it in peace to fighting when it is necessary. Among the other traditions that have grown around our local observance of Veterans' Day is the annual LULAC (League of United Latin-American Citizens) Veterans' Day Breakfast. The 13th such one was held on the morning of Nov. 11 at the San Benito High School cafeteria. Vince Luna, a veteran and member of the LULAC Council, explained that it honored veterans of the year and at the same time uses the proceeds from the breakfast to further LULAC's Scholarship Fund. This year the two veterans who were honored were Rudy Rodriguez, an Army veteran of Vietnam, and Gordon Machado, who served in the Marine Corps. Other veterans present were encouraged to talk a bit about their military service. A memorial table displayed pictures of local servicemen along with brief descriptions of their service. Many persons lingered at that table, recognizing local people from the way they looked when they were young. Despite the rain, the traditional Veterans' Day parade went along San Benito Street with veterans marching in uniforms and musicians playing patriotic music, It was a smaller parade than usual but was just as spirited as previous ones had been. Many, many people filled the space inside the Veterans' Memorial Building. Some stood and talked before the ceremony began but many others sat. Gordon Machado was there with Fulton Picetti, a World War II veteran. Claude Davidson, who had fought in Vietnam, stood at the doorway talking with friends and greeted other friends as they arrived. He was wounded in Vietnam and sometimes the story of meeting Fess Parker when the actor went through the hospital to cheer the patients. "Davy Crockett was my boyhood hero," Davidson recounted, "and I got a kick out of seeing the man who portrayed him." He laughed. "I never thought I would have to go to another country and get wounded to have the opportunity." Among the speakers at the ceremony was Supervisor Pat Loe, wearing a star-spangled blouse. She read from "one of my favorite poems." It was "Freedom Isn't Free," and tells of how freedom was gained, then guarded by fighting men and women. Many World War II veterans were introduced. Because that war ended 61 years ago, its local veterans range from their very late 70s and into the 90s. Harry Hill II was among them as were Jack Trowbridge, Vic Edmundson, Bob Orlando and Sal LoBue. After the traditional volley was fired (from outside) and Taps was played, the audience was invited to join in the traditional chicken barbecue in the kitchen area. A line formed immediately and kept growing. Anneliese Williams sold tickets at a table where Buddy Poppies were displayed next to a can. Most of the diners thrust some change or a dollar or more into the can and pinned the poppy to their shirt or sweater. Dell Fancher was in the serving line and joked with people being helped to lavish portions of chicken, salad, garlic bread and beans. Urns of coffee were at a nearby table, and many diners found other friends to sit with for the meal. Picetti and Machado were joined by the latter's daughter, Mannette Machado, and Leonard Poletti, a Naval veteran of the Korean War, and wife Beverly Poletti were waved over. Robert Scattini, a former Army military policeman, sat at a nearby table. Talk centered on many topics, including the recent midterm elections, the unusually high temperatures for November (ranging into the mid- and high 70s most days), family members and friends, including some who have died since the previous Nov. 11 observance. What one saw was a group of people in a small American community casually living in and enjoying a society whose freedom was paid for by millions of Americans of the past and is guarded today by those Americans who serve in the nation's military services. |
 |
