By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Hays VFW honored all who served on Veterans Day with a ceremony filled with patriotism and deep respect for veterans of foreign wars.
On Monday, the ceremony at VFW Post 9076 featured the raising of the colors, a rifle squad, guest speakers and musical tributes.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer, Senior Vice Commander Joe Devine began the morning by explaining the holiday's significance.
“Veterans Day is a rich tradition in the United States and here in Hays. The men and women of the VFW and auxiliary are proud to honor our veterans and those serving today,” Devine said.
The ceremony featured guest speaker Colonel Gregory Akers, a retired United States Marine Corps officer and Fort Hays State University graduate who served 29 years in various Marine Corps roles.
His service took him to Africa, Japan, Afghanistan, Russia and various parts of Europe.
“Veterans Day is when we celebrate all those who have served in the uniform, living and deceased,” Akers said.
Akers provided an in-depth look at the history of Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, to commemorate the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
After World War II, Congress broadened the holiday to honor all American veterans, officially renaming it Veterans Day in 1945.
“Not all federal holidays are observed in such a fashion,” Akers said. “Veterans raised their right hand and swore an oath to the constitution to defend the nation against foreign and domestic enemies. It is a social contract with the American people which, in some cases, cost their lives.”
Veterans often struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness as they cope with psychological scars like PTSD, even with support from friends and family.
Akers listed other challenges, such as homelessness, suicide and substance abuse, which made it difficult for veterans to reintegrate into society after serving their country.
"We as a nation have an obligation to take care of these men and women. This is a call to action on your part," he said. "How we treat veterans following their service is critical for the future of our military and the nation's security."
Akers said Kansas is home to roughly 150,000 veterans, with 30% facing some level of disability. In Ellis County, about six World War II veterans remain.
Akers concluded by thanking the VFW post for its dedication to honoring veterans until their final rest.
At the ceremony, High School student Mariella Dreiling was honored as the local winner of the Voice of Democracy scholarship program, receiving a $500 scholarship from Fort Hays VFW Post 9076.
Dreiling read her essay in response to the question, "Is America today our forefathers' vision?" She discussed current challenges like voter apathy, media bias and the decline of moral values.
Dreiling said the answer to this question is no. However, the core principles upon which the United States was founded still hold and deserve recognition, she said.
“United States citizens must respect and abide by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We must appreciate and strive to maintain what our forefathers accomplished in making America the greatest nation on Earth,” she said.
The event concluded with a flag-folding ritual, in which the flag was folded 13 times to honor veterans, the nation and the values cherished by Americans.
Bob Dreiling provided music throughout the ceremony. A luncheon was provided afterward for attendees.
