Veterans across Richland County were honored on Veterans Day with a parade in Mansfield. Presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Council, the parade and ceremony brought together city officials, local organizations, and the community to honor Armed Forces veterans for their service.
The parade proceeded east on Park Avenue West and continued to the gazebo in Central Park where a ceremony took place in observance of the national holiday.
Despite the cold weather, the streets were lined with spectators waving American flags as veterans in uniform passed by. The parade included high school marching bands from, Clear Fork, Mansfield and St. Peter’s.
“Every year it’s a nice size parade. It’s wonderful to see so many people here honoring the memory of those who have served or are serving now, “ said Commander Roger Harraman of the International Knights of Columbus.
Commander of the 179th Airlift Wing Col. Gary McCue appreciated that veterans are recognized and remembered.
“We at the 179th/200th are very proud to be serving on this Veterans Day,” stated McCue, “A year ago, our future was in jeopardy; and, as has been shown in the past, the incredible support from our community makes it possible for us to remain an asset to answer national, state, or local taskings. If you thank a Vet this year, don’t be surprised if he or she doesn’t thank you right back.”
This year, members of the Marine Corp. reenacted the historical image of The Raising of The Flag on Iwo Jima atop Mount Suribachi as part of the parade precession.
Burke Jisa, Commander of the Joint Veterans Council, welcomed fellow veterans and the community to the ceremony at Central Park by saying, “It’s a beautiful day to recognize our vets. As every year, on the eleventh day at the eleventh hour of the eleventh month, we gather to honor the memory of those who gave their lives as well as those who continue now to fight for our freedoms.”
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Frank Russo, president of the Korean War Veteran’s Association (KWVA Chapter 51). Russo, with a total of 44 years of service, is serving his second term as president of the KWVA and fought in the Korean War from 1947 to 1951. A veteran of the Air Force, Russo has organized the Veteran’s Day Parade for the past seven years.
Members of the Daughters of the Revolution, AMVETS Post 34 and the American Legion Auxillary Unit 16 presented three wreathes honoring the memory of fallen soldiers. The National Anthem was sung by Dalton Derr and Pastor Robert J. Kurt gave the invocation.
U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class, Dean John Krance took the stage as the keynote speaker. Krance serves as secretary of the Richland County Veterans Service Commission and represents the Vietnam Veterans America. Appointed in 1987, Krance was the first Vietnam Era Veteran to serve on the commission.
As Krance spoke of the meaning of Veteran’s Day and gave praise to those present and those no longer liing, but as he noted, ”never forgotten,” Krance posed this question: ”What is the definition of a vet?”
“The definition of a veteran is one who wrote a blank check to their country, up to and including their life. No matter the branch, no matter the length of service, you all count as someone who did your duty,” said Krance. He summed up his inspiring speech quoting the words of Douglas MacArthur, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”
“I would like to thank each and everyone who came today to honor our veterans. I would also like to remind you this is the 60th year Aanniversary for the Korean War Vvets. And remember, Vietnam vets are our heroes too,” said Russo. He added, “Join me in singing God Bless America.”
The Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad brought the ceremony to a close with Taps. Pastor Kurt presented the benediction.
Russo said in conclusion,”Thank you, thank you all and God bless you all.”
“The definition of a veteran is one who wrote a blank check to their country, up to and including their life. No matter the branch, no matter the length of service, you all count as someone who did your duty,” said Dean Krance, secretary of the Richland County Veterans Service Commission.
