Centerville Veterans Day event ‘more fulfilling’ to area vets

One veteran says ceremony is getting better each year

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By Jeremy P. Kelley, Staff Writer 10:51 AM Thursday, November 19, 2009

CENTERVILLE — From children hearing about the sacrifice of war for the first time, to several grateful World War II veterans in their 80s, about 200 people came to Stubbs Park on Nov. 11 to take part in Centerville’s annual Veterans Day program.

Mayor Mark Kingseed and Lt. Col. Wendy Larson of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base spoke about the importance of the day. Centerville students sang patriotic songs, a local Boy Scout troop explained the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a bugler played taps as a memorial wreath was placed to honor the war dead.

“This ceremony has grown each year, and has become just a little better done and a little more fulfilling each year,” said Centerville resident Bill Gross, who served in the Air Force during the Korean War and Cold War. “I really think it’s important that we do everything we can to reinforce the need to take care of this country.”

Larson, who is deputy commander of the 88th Mission Support Group at Wright-Patt, told the crowd that Americans get to make so many choices in their daily lives that the whole concept of choice is taken for granted. She urged everyone to thank veterans for securing that freedom.

“Some fought for 2½ years, and some fought for a lifetime,” she said. “Some fought for 2½ years and that marked (the end) of their lifetime.”

Bob Pohle, a Washington Twp. resident who served with the Army in the Pacific during World War II, said the day brought back a sense of camaraderie.

“When you’re in the service, everybody buddies up, and you’re very close to each other,” he said.

“This just makes you feel good.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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It is a great ceremony, honoring the "average joe/joanne" veteran who served their country and have made small town America a wonderful place. Thanks to all the vets, the scouts, the police/fire and VFW honor guards.

jim
5:16 PM, 11/19/2009

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