Veterans present during the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary’s Veterans Day program at Westbrook Acres on Nov. 11 included (from left) Shirley Neidermann, Roger Sievers, Steve Thomas, and Loran Frericks. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted a Community Veterans Day Program at Westbrook Acres on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The ALA Americanism Chairman Lisa Reinhard started the service stating a quote from John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, you must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Everyone then sang “America the Beautiful.”

On Veterans Day, we commemorate the armistice marking the end of the fighting between Germany and the Allies of WWI. The day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day. Today, Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Its significance is noted as happening on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. With this in mind, Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11. But as history unfolded, and as more generations of Americans answered the call to serve, it became clear that one day a year wasn’t just for remembering peace, it was for honoring the people who make peace possible.

When we thank a veteran, we’re not only expressing gratitude, we’re recognizing a promise kept. Every person who has taken the oath to defend the United States has made a promise to protect our freedoms, our families, and our way of life. That promise has carried us through every challenge we’ve faced as a nation.

As we honor our veterans, let’s do so with full hearts. Let’s take a moment to remember those who never made it home. Let’s cherish those who did and let’s continue to live in a way that honors the principles they stood for: duty, honor, courage, and love of country.

The names of the Gladbrook veterans who passed this year were lifted up including Don Hein, Don Hall, Allen Eggers, and Dan Bakke.

Gladbrook ALA President Jeanne Paustian presenting veteran Roger Sievers with a flag and poppy. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Unit President Jeanne Paustian presented a flag and large poppy to veterans Loran Frericks, Steve Thomas, Shirley Neidermann, and Roger Sievers.

Sue Koster played the military songs.

The program was closed by singing “God Bless America.”

Everyone enjoyed the patriotic cupcakes.

Gladbrook ALA member Sue Koster was the pianist. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Gladbrook ALA Americanism Chairman Lisa Reinhard. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN