Proud Remebrance

Nov. 11 will be among my proudest memories.

On Nov. 7, I attended the Veterans Day program at Lake Placid Elementary and was amazed at the amount of preparation and respect for our veterans that was displayed that morning.

The Lake Placid High Jr. ROTC presented the colors, then the high school band performed, the students sang patriotic songs, veterans of all services were presented before the students and then, much to my surprise, the students presented me, the Commander of American Legion Placid Post 25, a student-made banner and posters, which are now displayed proudly on the wall of the lounge in the American Legion Post.

I was speechless at first but shook the hand of each one of the students and was thrilled with the respect in their eyes. I could never thank them enough.

I also wish to praise the students of Fred Wild Elementary, in Sebring, where I spoke to the students on Monday, Nov. 10, along with other veterans. Their display of pride was also more than I ever expected.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, I prayed at the flag raising ceremony as chaplain of the VFW 4300 Honor Guard. This event was also well attended, and awards that were made to deserving veterans were the order of the day.

A short time later the Honor Guard and I proceeded to the Veterans Beach area of Sebring where we were actively a part of the county and Veterans Service Office program honoring veterans.

The day finished up with towing the trailer with the Colors and personnel of the American Legion Post 25 in one of the longest Veterans Day parades seen in a long time.

As more of the older veterans die, you notice less in attendance each year. I was proud to be an active part of Veterans Day and very proud of all those who did support it in so many ways.

Commander J. P. Plunkett
American Legion Post 25
Lake Placid