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Community pauses to honor its veterans
One... two... three..
The solemn chime from the bell broke the calm as the wind howled across the cemetery, causing the dozens of flags to flap in the air.
Four... five... six...
With the sun hidden by the veil of clouds, it caused a noticeable chill in the morning air, but it didn't seem to phase the hundreds of people who stood in silence as the tradition continued.
Seven... eight... nine...
With their eyes fixed forward, the gathering of people included those from all walks of life, from veterans of previous wars to those in uniform who continue to stand in harm's way.
Ten... eleven...
As the bell's last chime faded, it marked the start of a ceremony that honored those who serve the nation in the armed forces.
Last week's Veterans Day observance marked a bittersweet moment of sorts for those attending the ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery. Friday's event follows the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 -- a moment in history that led to the longest consecutive war the country has ever waged.
"Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in combat or as a result of wounds sustained from combat," said Rich McMahon, commander of American Post 26, during his comments at last week's observance. "That's not quite true. Veterans Day honors all American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country."
Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance dates back to 1919 just one year after the end of World War I. The armistice ending that war went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 and ended four years of a global conflict once described as "the war to end all wars."
"November 11th of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free," McMahon said.
"Whether they wear the military uniform today or wore it decades ago, our veterans represent an unwavering dedication and exemplify the highest ideals of service to our nation," said Col. Ron Buckley, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
"The true strength of our nation is the spirit and skill of the men and women who have worn the service uniforms of our nation," said Buckley, who served as the event's guest speaker. "They have answered the call to duty from all across America."
Today, approximately 223,000 airmen, or about 43 percent of the Air Force's men and women, are actively engaged in various operations around the world, the colonel added.
"As you look at the numbers, it's easy to focus only on our airmen who are far from home, separated from loved ones... doing the nation's work," the colonel said. "(But) Veterans Day also recognizes the noble service of all service members who report for duty every day to carry on the fight from the home front."
As the U.S. military continues to engage hostile forces around the world, the colonel emphasized that some of these brave men and women will not return home. While it's the nation's responsibility to honor those who serve, "we must never forget those who paid for our freedom with the ultimate sacrifice."
Among those honored at the event was was 1st Lt. Bruce Lawrence, an F-4 pilot that was killed in action over North Vietnam in 1968, said Jim Blanton, chaplain with American Legion Post 26. A search and recovery team recovered the lieutenant's remains earlier this year. After being listed missing in action for more than 43 years, he was finally laid to rest in September.
The nation is fortunate to have service members "who exemplify commitment to duty, willingly display valor under fire and favor humility over glory," Buckley said. "This notion of selflessness and sacrifice... is the bedrock of our all-volunteer force."
This year's Veterans Day observance came just hours before more than 100 airmen from the nearby base were set to return home following a scheduled combat deployment overseas. In recent weeks, 400 additional airmen returned to the nearby base after serving more than six months in Afghanistan.
Following the colonel's comments, representatives from various veterans organizations stepped forward to place wreaths in honor of those who serve in uniform. Among them were members of the local Gold Star Mothers, all of whom lost sons and daughters in service to their nation.
One by one, more people stepped forward to repeat the process. Each time, these representatives paused to render honors. Some saluted the wreaths. Others held their hand over their heart.
None of them spoke a word.
Meanwhile, Barbara Lambert read excerpts from a poem by A. Lawrence Vaincourt. Originally printed in 1987 but gaining prominence in 2001, it helped emphasize the importance of military veterans she said.
"Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand, would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand? Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend his home, his kin and country and would fight until the end," Lambert said.