Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 salutes veterans
Published 2:17 pm Friday, November 17, 2023
Veterans salute as “The Star-Spangled Banner” is sung during the Veterans Day program hosted by the Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 on Saturday, Nov. 11. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 Commander Phillip J. Haley delivers remarks during the Post’s Veterans Day program on Saturday, Nov. 11. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Capt. Don Wilson, who is serving active duty in the U.S. Navy, delivers a tribute to “Old Glory” as Boy Scout Troop 17 members A.J. Thomas and David Cuthbertson post the colors. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Master Chief Walt Miller was recognized with a lapel pin for his service in the Vietnam War during the Veterans Day program at Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Veterans in attendance at the Veterans Day event held by Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 stand, after being requested to do so, for recognition of their service. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Retired Navy Senior Chief Subrina Straus participates in the flag retirement ceremony that was an educational part of the Veterans Day program hosted by the Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 on Saturday, Nov. 11. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts also participated in the ceremony. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
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Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 hosted a Veterans Day program on Saturday, Nov. 11, that served to highlight the meaning and importance of the holiday.
Post Commander Phillip J. Haley delivered remarks, emphasizing the collective duty that U.S. citizens share in honoring the nation’s veterans and in ensuring that the true essence of the day is not forgotten.
“Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart as it does for all veterans who have worn a uniform of our great nation,” he said. “It is a day that reminds us of the commitment we made to defend the principles of freedom, liberty and justice.”
He noted that the holiday is not merely about acknowledging veterans’ service or expressing gratitude, but it is also about making Veterans Day a custom that is educational.
“I believe it is our job as veterans to help ensure the true significance of this day isn’t lost in the noise of department store sales or everyday life,” he said. “We must work to remind our nation that Veterans Day isn’t just another holiday on the calendar. It’s a profound reminder of not only the sacrifices of all who have served, but of the painstakingly high cost of freedom paid by those who have selflessly laid down their own lives and future to protect ours.”
Capt. Don Wilson, who is serving active duty in the U.S. Navy, summoned Boy Scout Troop 17 members to post the colors, and he then delivered a tribute to “Old Glory.”
Later in the program, Master Chief Walt Miller was recognized with a lapel pin for his service in the Vietnam War.
The last part of the program featured a flag retirement ceremony for flags that were old and no longer usable. It was an educational opportunity in which the Post involved local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
The ceremony took place outdoors behind the Post building with the aid of a small bonfire.
Citing the U.S. Flag Code, Haley said, “When the flag is tattered and can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.”
A meal was served in the Post building following the ceremony.
