By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Residents of Claremont gathered in Broad Street Park for the annual Veterans Day ceremony, where members of American Legion Post 29 honored those who have served in the U.S. military with speeches, taps and a wreath laying for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
“It’s important that we recognize and honor our veterans because without them we wouldn’t have the way of life we have,” said Michael Richmond, who is the adjutant at Post 29. “We wouldn’t have the freedom of democracy. We wouldn’t have our prosperity. We really wouldn’t have any of the pleasures that we enjoy.’
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918, a temporary stop to battle between the Allied nations and Germany went to effect, and one year later President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day as the end of World War I. Legislation approved on June 1, 1954 made it so November 11 would be a day to honor American veterans of all wars. That year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation, and the rest is history.
“It is for this reason we are gathered here today to pay tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed so much so that we Americans, as well as the citizens of many other nations, can enjoy the fruits of the freedom and liberty,” Richmond said.
Post 29 Chaplain Gary Blish said prayers for the veterans and Commander Steve Blish followed him with his own speech at the ceremony, saying that the message to veterans of past and present is simple.
“We will never forget you,” Blish said. “Thank you for being here and God bless America.”
Rolling Thunder New Hampshire Chapter 2, which works tirelessly for those missing and unaccounted for in all wars, provided a flag line at the event. Judy Rice, who is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary laid a wreath at a veteran’s memorial in the park, in honor of those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts in U.S. history.
Marsha Bailey is the senior vice commander of American Legion Post 29 and has been playing taps on the bugle for the past two decades.
Bailey stressed the importance of honoring veterans, not just on November 11, but all year round. While there were about 60 people on-hand at Broad Park, she said she wishes that the people driving by as the ceremony was taking place would take time out of their day to honor our nation’s soldiers.
Bailey served in the Army National Guard for 10 years including in Operation Desert Storm, where she saw combat in places like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Bailey was injured while overseas, ending her career.
“It’s very important,” Bailey said. “I wish all these people who drive by would just stop and listen. It’s just like Memorial Day. It’s not just about parades and barbecues; it’s about much more. The country needs to stand behind our soldiers and our veterans. A lot of us came back injured and need to be taken care of.”
Lois and Andy Buchan live in Charlestown, and while they did not serve in the military, they have been an integral part of Veterans Day ceremonies for decades. For the past 40 years Andy has been on the snare drum and Lois on the fife, playing at ceremonies in Claremont and the surrounding area.
“It’s an honor for us to be here for the veterans who have served,” Andy Buchan said. “The American Legion sponsored a fife and drum corps back in the late ‘70s. We both taught and were members of that fife and drum corps. They disbanded in the ‘90s and Lois and I kept performing here and other places.”
City Councilor Wayne Hemingway served in Army and Army National Guard for more than 38 years thanked everyone who gathered for the ceremony, saying that he appreciates the support of veterans and the military. Hemingway called it an “emotional day,” as his father, uncle and sister served, as well.
“The support is important because it shows that people care about us, and support us, in our life choice,” Hemingway said.
