Veterans Day

The Grand Court Ceremony, honoring the 15 Residents here who are veterans of the United States Armed Forces, was one of distinction and patriotism.



It included appearances, and presentations by:

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly for Welcoming Remarks
“Taps”, played by Judge Richard Carey
A 21 Gun Salute by American Legion Post 286
American Legion Chaplain for Invocation and Benediction
R.O.T.C. from Springfield High School to lower, then raise a flag
American Legion leading in the Pledge of Allegiance
Zach Hoppes to sing The National Anthem and God Bless America
Presentation of a retired flag to the oldest veteran, Emil Spivla
Flag to Paul Bartruss, the oldest Army veteran
Flag to Mike Maddex, the oldest Air Force veteran
Flag to Paul Kuss, the oldest Navy veteran

All of this, including framed pictures of the veterans by Timi Neff.

I’ve guessed the crowd to be over 100, including Residents and Visitors.

Patriotic music was played during the preceding half-hour

This “Tribute” by Joanna Fuchs was printed on the back page of the program:

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

Sheriff Kelly in Welcome:




Judge Richard Carey playing Taps:




Twenty-One Gun Salute:





Mike receiving flag flown from Camp Pendleton CA:




Some of our veterans:




National Anthem by Zach Hoppes:



Retiring the flag:



The weather was a little chilly, but after all, it was November 11. What would one expect.

Clark County Commission President, Roger Tackett - a paraplegic, wounded in Vietnam - was scheduled to give the welcome and opening remarks, but illness prohibited it. Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly took his place.

Much of the ceremony was very solemn and respectful. Memories of those fallen were very real.

This was just one of the many community oriented occasions observed by The Grand Court, planned and presented by Timi Neff, Lifestyles Program Director here.