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Recognize those who served the cause of freedom

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November 8, 2009

Veteran's Beat

by Ron Seman

Veterans Day is Nov. 11. It is a special time for all Americans to pause and reflect on the magnificent contributions and sacrifices made by our men and women who served with honor and dignity and those who died for the precious freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted.

We are grateful to members of Congress for allowing the remembrance of this special day to be observed on its actual day, despite where it may fall on the calendar.

It has been 91 years since the close of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, a historic date that came to be known as Armistice Day. In 1953, the name of the observance was changed to Veterans Day. Two different names but, with one single purpose: To remember those who served.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month are significant in that these three 11s represent the hour, day and month at which hostilities came to a close in World War I, the so-called "War to end all wars."

One of the many problems that veterans of all wars deal with on a daily basis is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I reported on this problem in an earlier column and was reminded that there are thousands of men and women who suffer the scars of PTSD as a result of their service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts.

Let's remember them in our daily prayers and all who continue to spend countless hours in VA hospitals recuperating from various wounds. Thanks!

Events planned

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Twinsburg Post 4929 and Auxiliary will host an open house for Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The post is located in the old city hall at 9825 Ravenna Road in Twinsburg. Members of the auxiliary will serve refreshments from 4 to 8 p.m.

Cmdr. Joe Jasany and President Audrey Turner invite area veterans and residents to visit and inspect the World War I memorabilia -- and much more -- which members have collected over the years. Post members will be available to answer questions from young and old.

The next post and auxiliary meeting will be Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in the post home. Eleanore Csontos reminds us that the Golden Corral Restaurant will again sponsor its military appreciation event on Nov. 16 at all of their area restaurants. This is a free dinner for all veterans only.

Festivities start at 5 p.m. Questions about the event can be directed to the Golden Corral on Route 82 at the Crossings at Golden Link Shopping Center in Northfield Center, 216-635-0878.

For more information, contact Csontos at 330-963-0338. And, of course, a big right hand salute to the folks at Golden Corral for this great annual treat for veterans.

* American Legion Post 801, together with students, faculty and staff of Nordonia High School will honor veterans Nov. 11 in the school gym from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The school's principal will introduce the speakers: Robert Rardin, a teacher and former Marine; Dave Pristash, commander of American Legion Post 801; area mayors; and a student representative.

The school's Lancer Band and choir will perform. Everyone is welcome to attend.

On Nov. 12, at 6 p.m., Post 801 and Auxiliary will join with other service groups at North Coast Behavioral Health Care's Sagamore Hills campus to honor veterans there and present them with certificates of appreciation for their service to our country. Carol Bechtel of Volunteer Services organized the program, "Honoring Those Who Served!"

* Veterans and area residents are invited to attend a Veterans Day program at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11, at Crestwood Primary School, 11256 Bowen Road in Mantua. All branches of the armed forces and veterans will be recognized. The second-grade choir will perform patriotic selections.

* If your post or auxiliary is planning a Veterans Day program, I would like to include the details in my next column. E-mail your material to SemanRJ@aol.com. Thanks!

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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has teamed with FedEx Office to collect and provide photos of the more than 58,000 service members whose names are listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The photos will become a centerpiece in The Education Center at The Wall, a new facility to be built underground near the Vietnam and Lincoln memorials.

FedEx Office centers around the country will collect and scan the photos. Jan Scuggs, founder and president of the memorial fund, said in a statement announcing the National Call to Photos, "It is vital we remember the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam ... The education center will allow us to put faces with the names on The Wall and learn some of the stories."

Remember to say a prayer for our men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and at other dangerous posts around the world. Take time to write a letter, send a package of goodies and tell them you support their mission.

And remember to fly Old Glory in their honor today and throughout the year. Thank you. God bless our valiant defenders and God Bless America.




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