MARYSVILLE — Being thankful is what veterans want from those who recognize Veterans Day.
That’s what many of them said during the flag retirement ceremony at the American Legion Post 178 in Marysville Nov. 11.
“We help to provide a place for veterans to meet and greet,” Post Cmdr. James Sewell said.
Sewell, an active member of the Navy, advised everyone on Veterans Day to take a moment and think about those in the service. The day should also encourage everyone to acknowledge a veteran whenever possible.
“It’s time to say ‘thank you,'” Sergent in Arms Bob Rawe said. “Veterans acknowledge veterans. Only occasionally do non-veterans (say thank you).”
Many veterans who have served in the nation’s past conflicts may not have much time left. Rawe said. World War II veterans are in their mid-80s and 90s.
“They’ll be followed by Korean and Vietnam veterans,” said Rawe, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. “As time passes, those death rates will excelerate.”
“I would like the teachers to encourage students not play on the computer but come out and socialize with the veterans,” Rawe said. “When you see a guy wearing a Navy hat, or some other identification, say ‘thank you.'”
Other veterans said the same thing.
“It’s a time to really acknowledge and recognize those who serve and give their lives for this country,” said Clarence Shaw, a 25-year Army veteran. “It’s also a day for the community to recognize those in service.”
Shaw saw action in the second Iraq War. He had just finished graduate school but was unable to go to the ceremony because he was deployed.
Others say it is a day of self-reflection.
“I’m here, it means something,” said 2nd Vice Cmdr. Tony Campbell, a Navy veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. “I’ve served with a lot of fellows, and some didn’t make it.”
He uses his compassion now to empathize with homeless veterans and recent veterans coming home from overseas.
“A lot of these vets come back worse than before,” Campbell said. “It bothers me to see them homeless as well.”
