The 60 or so people had come to honor those who had fought in battles long past and those still fighting far from home.
As the parade came to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, VFW Post 836 Commander Frank Martinez began the ceremony with a thanks to the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors who gave a part of their lives to preserve freedom in an unsettled world.
 Ten-year-old Vididiana Romo reads her essay “What a Vet Means to Me” during Bisbee’s Veterans Day celebration at Evergreen Cemetery. Frank Martinez, commander of VFW Post No. 863, led Sunday’s events. (Suzanne Cronn•Herald/Review) |
“We are proud of what we have done for our country,” said Martinez. “I am proud to see you all here to give back to veterans what they have given to you by honoring Veterans Day.”
Vididiana Romo, a 10-year-old student at Bisbee Middle School, wanted to do something special this year, so she wrote a brief speech and delivered it during the ceremony.
“To all the veterans today, I’d like to say ‘Thank you.’ We should all thank veterans for saving our freedom,” she said.
Veterans Day began 90 years ago at the end of World War I and was originally called Armistice Day, explained Martinez.
In fact, according to the office of Veterans Affairs, that day was to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to honor World War I vets. But then, another war caused American men to stand up again and place their lives in jeopardy to bring about world peace and protect democracy at home. That was World War II. Just a few short years after World War II, America was once again asking men and women to place themselves in harm’s way as the Korean War ground on.
Other conflicts followed.
“For 100 years the Veterans of Foreign Wars have welcomed home men from war; 2.6 million of us want to express our gratitude and pride to our returning soldiers.
“We understand the sense of loss of the families of those who did not return. We have been there,” Martinez added. “Yours is a proud and honorable legacy. You’re asked to be peacekeepers and caregivers as well as soldiers. You leave your loved ones behind and place your duty and honor above personal concerns. Today, we rejoice with you.”
Off to the side was a small table, set with a rose, an empty glass and a plate. Beside it flew the MIA flag. It was set as a special remembrance for those who did not return from the war in Vietnam and have yet to be found.
Martinez said, “We pay tribute to our comrades who are being held as prisoners of war or who are missing in action for enduring the suffering and pain. We must keep them in our hearts and minds.”
City Manager Stephen Pauken told the gathering, “There’s a lot of folks here wearing the colors today, and we’re just here to thank you.”
City council members Luche Giacomino, Anna Kline and Bennie Scott were united in their thanks to the men and women who serve in places where comfort is just a memory and safe haven may be nothing more than a dream.
Herald/Review reporter Shar Porier can be reached at 515-4692 or shar.porier@bisbeereview.net.
