Veterans from the Rhine VFW Post who attended last week’s Veterans Day ceremony at the post.
Veterans Day was celebrated last week by members of Rhine VFW Post 2729 in a ceremony that welcomed veterans, family and guests.
The post at 5858 S. Archer Ave. has members from Garfield Ridge and Clearing and a number of suburban members who moved over after the VFW Post in Summit closed a few years ago.
Post Commander, Charlie Johnson, opened the Nov. 11 ceremony promptly at 11 a.m.
“Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all who served honorably in the military, whether in wartime or peace,” Johnson said. “In fact, Veterans Day is largely about thanking living veterans for their service, acknowledging their contributions to national security, and underscoring that all who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.”
He said pointed out the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, noting that Memorial Day, rooted in the post-Civil War era, commemorates those who died in service. Veterans Day, however, originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.
VFW Post Auxiliary President Michael Maruszak read a passage on what it means to be a veteran:
“A veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including their life. This is honor.”
Commander Johnson also displayed an American flag that had recently been gifted to the post by U.S. Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. The flag had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The ceremony included a performance by a trumpet player, who played “Taps” and the official songs of each branch of the U.S. military, and a rifle squad salute outside the post along Archer Avenue.
Candy and a display of thank you cards from students at Sahs Elementary School were on display during the ceremony.
They were brought in by post member Don Sobczak and his wife. Their daughter is a teacher at Sahs School.
Cards were also brought in that were made by the students at Our Lady of Snows School and from seventh- and eighth-graders from Hurley Elementary School.
Following the ceremony, a lunch was provided for all of the veterans.