News

Veterans Day 2009

November 8, 2009

Honoring veterans

Community thanks soldiers for service

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

DALLAS – It’s been 64 years since Joe Drust of Dallas served in Africa, southern France, Italy, the southern Pacific and Japan while in the U.S. Navy.

The 88-year old still comes to Veterans Day ceremonies, like the Veterans Appreciation Ceremony held Saturday morning at Misericordia University’s Lemmond Theater.

“I was fortunate enough to never get hurt in any way. I felt really sorry for the Marines and the Army that we were leaving there – putting them on a beach and then leaving. I was grateful that we still survived,” said Drust, who is a member of the American Legion. He had two brothers who served in the Army during World War II.

Pennsylvania Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jessica Wright of the Pennsylvania National Guard encouraged people to remember the soldiers and their families who were killed and injured during the massacre at Fort Hood, Texas.

“Veterans Day has a very special meaning to those of us in uniform. A special meaning to us that have worn the uniform, but with unthinkable acts, the violence that was committed at Fort Hood, it even holds a more prominent place in our minds and our hearts today,” Wright said.

She went on to thank veterans for their service. .

“You are our inspiration. Don’t ever forget that. We are motivated to do our best because of you. Because of the service and sacrifice you have made to this great nation,” Wright said.

Local veterans from World War II through present conflicts presented their memories of war time and what it means to serve their country during the showing of “In Their Own Words: Veterans of the Back Mountain,” a video that was produced by Misericordia University students.

State Rep. Karen Boback and state Sen. Lisa Baker presented “Thank You Veterans” pins to current and former military personnel and to family members representing veterans as members of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division Keystone Brass played a series of patriotic songs.

“Thank you for the risk you took in serving our country. Thank you for making our homeland a safe place to raise a family. Thank you for making America the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Boback said.

She quoted President John F. Kennedy saying the highest form of thanking a veteran is not just saying it, but “living it.”

Afterwards, Boback and Baker placed a pin on each other’s blazers.

Boback’s and Baker’s fathers both served in World War II. Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban, who is retired from the U.S. Army, also attended the ceremony.

Students from the Major Performing Arts Center in Trucksville performed “Let Their Be Peace on Earth” toward the end of the hour-long service before a bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace” appeared on stage.

Other Veterans Day events

• Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade: 2 p.m. today Starts at the corner of Rutter Avenue and West Market in Kingston and moves to Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square.

• Luzerne County Community College’s Literary Arts Society hosting a Veterans Day program, “Through the Eyes of the Children,” noon Wednesday at the college’s Campus Center.

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