Parade, flag-raising mark Veterans Day

Patriots young and old turned out along Adams Avenue Wednesday to pay tribute to the nation’s veterans. Despite cold weather, about 250 people took in the annual Veterans Day parade organized by American Legion Post 43. Observers photo

The annual Veterans Day observances got under way at the Rose Garden on the Eastern Oregon University campus with members of the High Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars post raising an American flag that had flown over a camp in Iraq during ceremonies on Sept. 11 of this year.

Before the banner went up, the crowd on hand heard remarks from Eastern President Bob Davies and Lt. Col. Kevin Sheehy, commander of the Oregon National Guard’s Third Battalion, 116th Cavalry.

“This day should serve as a reminder that our freedoms are purchased at a very high cost,” he said. “Let’s not think of veterans only on Veterans Day, but the other 364 days of the year as well.”

Sheehy began his comments with a reference to the recent shooting incident at Fort Hood that killed 13people and wounded 29.

“I would ask you to keep a special place in your hearts for the Fort Hood victims and their families,” he said.

Sheehy talked at length about the dangers faced and the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. He noted that only about 1 percent of the country’s population ever serves in uniform.

“They step up and do their duty despite the fact that they don’t want to put their lives at risk,” he said. “They stand watch on every continent in the world to make sure the other 99 percent of us are safe.”

Sheehy said that even though the American people don’t always agree on issues like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans deserve respect and honor, and should be cared for when they return home.

“We must never let our emotions and disagreements impact the care of veterans,” he said.

The ceremony at Eastern included the playing of “Taps,” and also a rifle salute by the 3/116th’s Eastern Oregon Military Funeral Honors Program.

The local Veterans Day observance continued during the morning with a parade on Adams Avenue organized by American Legion Post 43.

Local service organizations, the National Guard and police and fire departments were among the marchers. Sheehy and Post 43 Auxiliary President Audrey Teixeira were the grand marshals.

Despite chilly weather, a crowd of about 250 showed up, many waving flags.