Fighting for Freedom

While recognizing all veterans, Marco Island VFW Post 6370 Commander Gene Ostrom also spoke of those fighting for the United States overseas.

"As we reflect on those who have fought to preserve the freedoms that every American enjoys, there are thousands of men and women in our military once again taking up arms against the enemies of freedom," he said. "It is important that we thank the men and women who are currently serving in the military. They are defending the principles upon which this nation was founded."

Many World War II veterans at the ceremony echoed Ostrom's remarks.

Bud La Mendola, a Navy veteran who served on a destroyer in the South Pacific, said the day was meant to honor all those who have fought and are fighting on the country's behalf. "I don't like that we are over there, but we must support our boys. I hope and pray that people here and abroad appreciate what we are doing."

Dr. Wes Johnson, a bomber pilot who flew 35 missions over occupied Europe, thinks President George W. Bush was right in sending troops to Iraq. "We were dealing with a madman and we needed to take control," Johnson said. "Bush had no choice, we were dealing with a madman who was murdering people."

Johnson also said it was important to remember those who gave their lives, but stressed that our disabled veterans should not be forgotten. "There are those who are blind, those who will spend the rest of their lives in hospitals, suffering every day, for what they did for us," he said.

Owen Carr, an aerial gunner serving with the 13th Air Force Division in the Southwest Pacific, lost his left leg during an air fight. Yet he thinks he was lucky.

"Today is when I try to remember those who didn't come back," he said. "I was very lucky when a 20 mm ... shell hit the plane. My left waist gunner wasn't as lucky. He got hit and died six weeks later from his wounds."

Carr said he doesn't like that we have to be in the Middle East, but feels it's a necessity.

"We are in extremely trying times," he said. "The U.S. has to defend itself -- and, much more, the rest of the world -- against terrorists who would like to tear us down. Like those who perpetrated the 9-11 attack. No matter where they are, we have to find them. I do regret all the lives we have lost. It hurts every time a soldier or a Marine dies."

Ostrom also cited the sacrifices being made by the National Guard and Army Reserves. He talked of how more will be called up to assist in the war against terrorism and how their sacrifice may be different than the enlisted person's.

"Activation and deployment have had a major influence on many military families," he said. "In the case of the Guard and Reserve families, it has caused a major financial burden. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is working hard to do whatever it can do to ease the weight of stress caused by long separation."

He also spoke of the regular military and their needs.

"We need to do everything we can to make sure the men and women who serve in today's and tomorrow's military receive what they need to accomplish their mission of safeguarding America. That includes a livable wage and decent living conditions for them and their families."

In the opening prayer, the Rev. Ronald Biel of Marco Lutheran Church asked everyone to pray for those still fighting in order to secure freedom in other parts of the world. He asked that the military be returned safely and that an end be brought to the violence.

In a prayer of thanksgiving, the Rev. Joy Baumgartner of United Church of Marco Island said Veterans Day was a day of remembrance, a celebration of freedom and courage. She asked that people remember those serving in the military -- all those who served to bring freedom time and time again, always thinking it was the last time. She said she wanted to recognize all those who are veterans and thank all those families who stood beside them and mourned those who gave their lives.

The Marco Lutheran Church Choir led in singing patriotic songs and the national anthem. Choir director Craig Greusel played Taps. Members of the VFW posted the colors. And the honorary guard included the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 95, Marco Island police and firefighters, and Boy Scout Troop 234.