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WARSAW — Last Saturday, before the official start of the 104th Veterans Day Parade in Warsaw, approximately 25 area veterans, residents and community leaders gathered at the Veterans Park on Railroad Street for the Veterans of Foreign Wars memorial service.
“Today is a day for every citizen to remember and honor the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Those who fought during the time of war and those who fought to maintain peace,” said Alice Wilson with VFW Auxiliary 9810 in Warsaw. “The sacrifices and accomplishments made by today’s generation of patriots are many, and their dedication to our way of life and the values our country was founded upon serve as a reminder that tyranny and evil will never prevail.”
Wilson emphasized the importance of keeping the legacy of our nation’s veterans alive to inspire future generations to celebrate the unity, courage, bravery, and shared purpose that make up the strength of a free country.
“Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart as it does for all who have worn the uniform of this great nation,” said Wilson. “It is a day that reminds us of the commitment we made to defend the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice. It is a day when we reflect on the time spent away from home, the bonds that we formed with our brothers and sisters in arms, and the sacrifices made on both our native and foreign shores to protect the American way of life and to aid those striving to safeguard their own freedoms.”
Wilson encouraged other veterans to share their experiences, educate future generations about the American spirit, and remind the nation that Veterans Day is an opportunity to remember that despite different beliefs and lifestyles, our desire for a better life has always united Americans.
“Every veteran that has proudly worn the uniform of our nation has served alongside countless individuals from different backgrounds who may even have had opposing viewpoints or opinions, and yet all veterans put aside those differences to focus on the intrinsic values of freedom and liberty, and that’s what brings us together,” said Wilson.
Rudolf Beckton, a veteran of the Korean War, played Taps. At the same time, everyone in attendance placed their hands over their hearts to honor the memory and bravery of members from all five branches of the military who lost their lives in service.
Beckton was drafted into the military when he was only 18 and served in the Army infantry for two years. “I was in Korea in 1956,” Beckton told Duplin Journal, adding that he was also stationed in Japan and later was sent to Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty. Beckton was discharged from Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, where he completed his service.
“Let us remember what our veterans do for us and the past and what our soldiers are doing for us now, and let us continue to pray for not just them but their families while they are apart from them and as the mayor and members of the board we thank God for our soldiers of all branches,” said Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors, who was also in attendance at the memorial service.
