CROSBY — “Today, we honor all our veterans, who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom,” said Bruce Hale in his comments Saturday at the Veterans Day dinner at the John Berg Memorial American Legion Post #976 in Crosby.
“Those men and women were ordinary people … until they heard the call of duty and answered it,” remarked Hale, an Air Force veteran who served as a law enforcement specialist at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, attaining the rank of sergeant, while protecting the nation’s northern border during the Cold War.
“They left their homes, their families and their lives not for recognition or fame or even the honor we bestow on them today,” he said. “They fought to protect our country, to protect our way of life.”
As the country honors its veterans and recalls their heroic deeds, Hale called for Americans to also salute those men and women in uniform who are currently fighting for our freedom.
The War on Terrorism has helped everyone realize how truly unique the American way of life is, Hale said. “The freedom we enjoy is extremely special, and that is why we must defend it.
“So, now is the time to not only honor those who have fought or are fighting for our freedom, it is also the time for each of us to take part in protecting it,” according to Hale. “The defense of freedom is not just for those in the military; each of us shares in that duty and responsibility.”
Hale noted that to protect freedoms in the United States, everyone must put them into action by voting and speaking against injustices, ensuring that everyone feels the benefits of U.S. liberties.
In brief remarks about Veterans Day, Hale noted that fighting in World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The next year, it was declared Armistice Day, a universally recognized day of celebration and recognized only veterans of that war.
Then in 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all veterans who served the nation in wars and defended democracy.
During his remarks, Hale recognized all veterans and families of veterans by asking them to stand.
Career Navy officer and post Commander Fran Doutt offered brief remarks and introduced Hale.
Prior to Hale’s address, Jim Hauck, a Vietnam veteran, commanded the color guard outside for the Honor the Dead ceremony. Following the three volleys by the memorial firing squad, Hauck, as bugler, played “Taps.”
