Veterans old and new share the same honor

Honor for all ages More than 60 years stand between the service of U.S. Navy personnel who served in World War II and U.S. Army veterans fresh from modern-day battles, but age and military branch dissolve when it comes to the united goal of American service people. Pictured is a handshake between Aviation Machinist Mate, Second Class, Dick Grantham and Staff Sergeant Charles Wolfe, both of Delphi, which is representative of the mindset of veterans of all ages - United We Stand. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

As military men and women return home from wartime service, so are more names added to this country's list of veterans who've served to protect it.

Despite changes in American culture since the country's eldest veterans served, the honor of military service has not faltered. Whether fresh from the front or long-retired from service, veterans hold a special place in American hearts.

Veteran's Day will be celebrated officially Nov. 12 but many local ceremonies will occur this week and into the weekend. All those who offer thanks know it is not the age that matters, or the uniform, but the measure of the act of defending freedom. Celebration Sunday on square

Some memories don't fade War can etch memories both good and bad deep in the minds of those who experience it. In some ways it may be difficult to determine who really wins in war, but to protect and defend peoples' freedoms is generally agreed to be an honorable act. Efforts put forth by Marines of the 4th Division, pictured securing a beachhead on Tinian in the Pacific Theatre on July 24, 1945, helped pave the way for the end of WWII. Photo provided

Carroll County veterans' organizations will hold a memorial celebration Sunday at 11 a.m. by the war memorial on the courthouse square. Bob Morrow of the county veterans' office said the ceremony will be simple but appropriate.

"Of all the things done for veterans these days and all that's talked about, the key is that we honor them," Morrow said.

Students to honor veterans

Delphi elementary teacher Susan Trueblood said it was important for the school to honor veterans because their sacrifices helped protect democratic freedoms.

As an annual honorary show of gratitude, DCES will host a Veteran's Day concert Friday.

During the days leading up to the program, fifth-graders learned songs and discussed what it meant to be an American and a veteran. They considered that some servicemen and women made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for our country.

Students will honor veterans near and far during the program which will feature songs and readings students memorized along with the introduction of nearly 100 local veterans from both world wars, the Korean Conflict and the Vitenam War. Members of the Harry Bohannon Post of the American Legion and Delphi Veterans of Foreign Wars will provide a 21- gun salute outside the school.

Trueblood said Delphi VFW and American Legion have participated in activities at Delphi schools for many years and the long-time connection helped make the day meaningful to students.

"The observance of Veterans Day allows us to teach students about the historical significance of the day and assists us as a school community in fulfilling the day's purpose of honoring veterans of all five branches of military service for their patriotism and willingness to serve our country," Trueblood said. "It is important that our students recognize and understand that the service and personal sacrifices of our veterans enable us to maintain our democratic form of government and the many freedoms we enjoy as Americans."

She said the concert should be educational and show gratitude to those in the local community who served.

"When we introduce and recognize those veterans who are present, it makes the day more personal for our students," she explained. "It also gives them a sense of pride in that they are able to give something back to those who have given so much to us."

Veterans will also be honored with music, speakers, taps, a 21- gun salute and a special presentation during a ceremony at the high school later Friday morning.

Veterans' service at church

Delphi First Presbyterian Church will hold a special Veterans' Day Service at 9:30 Sunday. All are welcome to attend.

Camden Veterans Program

Camden American Legion Post 413 and others from the community are sponsoring a Veterans' Day Program at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Camden Community Building. The public is invited. The hosts especially invite all veterans and their families, and families of military men and women currently serving our country. The DCHS Band and The Entertainers will perform. Elementary school children will be creating posters, poems, or stories to honor the veterans.

Thoughts on now and then

Delphi resident Dick Grantham served in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II. Staff Sergeant Charles Wolfe, also of Delphi, is a member of the U.S. Army. In a Tuesday interview with the Comet, both agreed there are cultural differences between older and younger veterans, but the binding factor is that all served to protect the freedoms their country offered.

"Age and military branch don't matter that much," Grantham said. "What is important is that our goal has been the same throughout the generations."

Wolfe said a vast majority of younger veterans do not join organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars when they return from service. He explained modern families have different lifestyles than American culture produced several generations ago. Busier lifestyles mean less time for service people to be part of such organizations.

"There are so many things for service people to do when they return home these days, it's difficult for most to find a way to be part of the Legion or VFW," Wolfe explained.

He said recruiters and veterans affairs administrators recently began a retention program to encourage veterans to become involved with their local VFW or Legion branches.

"The military understands the value of the VFW and Legion," Wolfe said. "The aim of the retention program is to get information about veterans' benefits out to recruits and service people early so it stays in their minds from the beginning. Both organizations offer great ways for younger veterans to find assistance and support."

Grantham said approximately 1,000 World War II veterans die every day, a figure that only increased his fervor to encourage veterans to join the organizations.

"Ours is getting to be an old generation," he said. "We need today's veterans to help keep these great resources alive." Calendar honors Pacific campaign

As a member of the National Park Service World War II Museum advisory board, Delphi resident Martin Gerbens produced a calendar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the battles of Saipan and Tinian.

Based on those Pacific campaigns, the historic calendar began with June 1944 and continued through September 1945, with notes about events on their specific dates. He said the project was a celebration of a campaign that turned the war in favor of the West.

"What happened there made such an impact," Gerbens said. "It deserved recognition and this was one way we chose to honor those who endured it."