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Respect paid throughout county on Veterans Day

Jasmina Meyer, Highlands Today

From left: Southwestern Area Commander of Florida Richard Francis greets Cpl. Raymond Yemma, who served in World War II, after honoring local Veterans with American Legion Thank You medals as a symbolic gesture to honor all Veterans during a special program on Wednesday at the Avon Park American Legion Post 69.

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: November 12, 2009

AVON PARK - There are three reasons Oct. 14 is such a significant date in the military career of World War II veteran Ted Biever.

That date represents the day he left for basic training at the age of 19, the day he was shot down over Germany and the day he was discharged from service.

In the past, Biever would make a point to recognize this important date in his life.

"I used to live in Wisconsin and usually we went hunting. I usually got a little inebriated," he said. "This year, I didn't even know it was the 14th until a few days later."

On Wednesday, Biever was recognized for the service to his country at a Veterans Day ceremony held at Avon Park's American Legion Post 69.

The program could not recognize each and every local veteran from all past and present U.S. conflicts. Instead, three came up to put a face to all veterans who have served the cause of freedom.

Post member Bob Burke paid tribute to Keith Harwood, "truly a career officer," who retired in July after 41 years of military service.

Harwood started as an infantryman and finished as an Apache helicopter pilot, according to Burke. His four decade-plus career took him to conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq.

"How's that for a variety of war zones?" Burke said.

Margaret Woodruff enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and was a typist, according to Anna Linebach. The veteran also had family members who sacrificed for the freedoms of this country.

"We want to say thank you to Margaret for her service, her family and her patriotism," Linebach said to the crowd of about 50.

Wednesday's program began with the raising of the flag, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem.

"Today, I want to welcome you and thank all of you for coming to honor the men and women who are the very fiber of our existence - the veterans," said Post 69 area commander Richard Francis.

In his remarks, Francis commemorated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which took place Nov. 9, 1989.

"On this, the 20th anniversary, we recognize the pivotal role played by the GIs who held the long line of freedom ... for over 44 years," he said. "Yes, even in a cold war, as it was called, thousands of our soldiers were killed standing ground in yet another foreign land."

Auxiliary president Darlene Watkin read a letter written by a young writer that described their first trip to the Vietnam Wall. The words portrayed a youth who pondered what those unknown names experienced while on the battlefield.

"Did you consider in your darkest fears ... that your existence on earth might someday be exemplified in 13 half-inch letters passed over by stranger after stranger, who had never spoken your name, they never knew your accomplishments or your talents, yet are forever indebted to you for the legacy you have left for each of them?" Watkin read.

Taking a moment to touch upon tragedy, Francis acknowledged last week's deadly shooting at the country's largest military installation in Fort Hood, Texas. Thirteen people were killed and 29 more wounded after the alleged gunman, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, opened fire.

The violence came to an end when a police officer shot the suspect.

"We've got soldiers, women, being killed in foreign countries (so) that we can be free here today," Francis said. "And then when something happens like what happened in Fort Hood, it upset me bad."

The program ended with a ceremonial flag disposal.

Tribute held at AP Veterans Garden

The Southside Veterans Garden, also called the old triangle, was officially dedicated this Veteran's Day by Avon Park community leaders.

About 50 people gathered for the dedication and tribute to veterans which was hosted by Shirley Johnson, former CRA chairwoman. The veterans garden took five years to complete said, Johnson. Brenda Gray, Avon Park's deputy mayor, had tears in her eyes during one of the speeches.

Her nephew was stationed at Fort Hood during the recent shooting. Johnson, a close friend of Gray and host of the event, said she was worried for Gray and her nephew when the news broke.

At 2 a.m. Johnson received a call that he was safe and she was happy to break the news to Gray.

The event was both a celebration of freedom and a somber reminder of the men and women still serving in war.

"For all the soldiers who are serving my heart goes out to them and I will do whatever I have to so that people remember them," Johnson said.

Aiyana Baida contributed to this story.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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