MANSFIELD — Some veterans had tears in their eyes during a pinning ceremony at The Waterford at Mansfield on Monday.
Maj. Gen. Gary A. McCue, the former commander of the 179th Airlift Wing and current Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, conducted the ceremony.
“We have some World War II veterans here, which is just amazing,” McCue said.
“At the time they were serving, around 11 percent of this country’s population was in uniform … Today, our active duty numbers are less than one half of one percent. Fewer and fewer folks in society know someone or have a family member who is serving.
“So it’s fully appropriate that we do things such as this on Veterans Day because it’s something that needs to be remembered in our nation.”
A veteran pinning ceremony is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the military service and sacrifices made by a veteran and his/her family.
Gentiva Hospice’s Chaplain Dave Matos offered the invocation prayer Monday.
Rev. Jim Carder, sales director for The Waterford and an Army veteran, said the crowd was the largest he’s seen in the three years that The Waterford has hosted a pinning ceremony.
“Today is more than a ceremony and a celebration — it’s even more than gratitude,” Carder said. “Because even our best words will fall short of expressing our deep appreciation to the veterans and family members here today.
“What brings us together today is a solemn duty to stand together in a fraternity that is unlike any other. Your service and sacrifice represent the best of us and the best of America,” he said.
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The senior assisted living and memory care facility also invited family members and guests of the honored veterans to Monday’s ceremony.
Each veteran received a service pin and a certificate of appreciation. Scout Troop 7131 from Lexington also provided stars preserved from duly retired U.S. flags for guests.
Waterford dedicates ‘Wall of Honor’ to surviving spouses
World War II veterans Tony Freiheit, Eleanir Kline, Guy Long, Obed Snelson, Wilbur Streib and Gene Witzky were presented with special victory medal replicas.
“Thank you for this occasion and for the honor you’ve given us,” said Freiheit, a Navy veteran. “But, you know, many soldiers paid the ultimate price and are now in graves, so I always want to remember those who didn’t come home.”
Also in Monday’s ceremony, The Waterford announced a rededication of its “Wall of Honor” for residents who are also veterans. The surviving spouses of Kenneth Boyd, Jim Goldsmith, William Kline and Jud Schaefer were presented with certificates.
“This wall depicts 28 veterans who are part of today’s Waterford community,” Carder said. “While four of these patriots have passed away, their photos remain on the wall as a tribute to their spouses who currently reside at The Waterford.”
The Waterford hosts a monthly veterans coffee and doughnuts club on the third Friday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m., open to any veterans.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to care for the people who have helped protect our country and our freedoms,” said Waterford executive director Crystle Stephenson.
“We’re blessed to be able to have so many veterans here at The Waterford. I hope everyone here today feels respected and valued. The sacrifices they made for us can never be paid back.”
