By ALIN HETT and GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
As Veterans Day arrives, Americans across the nation pause to honor the men and women who answered the call to serve their country, remembering their sacrifices, celebrating their courage and recognizing the freedoms they helped protect.
For those who have worn the uniform, Veterans Day is more than a holiday. It is a time to reflect on the friendships formed, sacrifices made and traditions passed down from one generation of service members to the next.
Bob Munsch, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, joined the KAYS Morning Show on Tuesday alongside Taft Yates, of the Disabled American Veterans, and Eric Rohleder, of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services, to reflect on military service and discuss opportunities for veterans in northwest Kansas.
The interview came on another significant occasion for Munsch and Marines around the world: the 251st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"Marines all over the globe will take time to celebrate the honor, courage and commitment the Corps has given each and every Marine who earned this title," Munsch said.
Munsch served in the Marine Corps from 1972 to 1975, followed by eight years in the active reserves. His dedication to fellow Marines continued long after his service, including 11 years as commandant of the local Marine Corps League.
During the interview, Munsch reflected on the history of the Marine Corps, established Nov. 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, and the traditions that continue to unite Marines across generations.
One of those traditions is the ceremonial cake cutting during the annual Marine Corps birthday celebration.
Munsch said during the ceremony, the oldest Marine presents a piece of cake to the youngest Marine, symbolizing the passing of knowledge, experience and traditions from one generation to the next.
"The ceremony reminds every Marine, although Marines come from different generations, we are a brotherhood," Munsch said. "We share the same history and commitment to the Corps."
Munsch recalled during his years of service, Marines sometimes celebrated with canteens rather than champagne glasses, demonstrating that the traditions continue regardless of where service members are stationed.
Munsch also reflected on the American flag and the sacrifices made by generations of military personnel who defended it.
"The United States of America, the God we choose to worship, it reminds of the stars and stripes we carry onto the battlefield," Munsch said. "The flag we stand up and salute, the flag many have died for, the flag that flies freely, to remind us freedom is never free."
Supporting veterans beyond Veterans Day
While Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize those who served, Yates and Rohleder emphasized the importance of continuing to support veterans throughout the year.
Rohleder thanked veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices, while encouraging former military members to learn more about the benefits available to them.
According to Rohleder, Kansas has 177,000 veterans, but only about 50,000 receive veterans benefits.
"They are earned benefits," Rohleder said. "We still got a lot of work to do, and we're here to help."
Yates, representing Disabled American Veterans, echoed that message, explaining many veterans may not realize what assistance is available or how benefits have changed over the years.
"You need to come out because you think you know all this stuff, but you really don't, and there's changes every day," Yates said. "Even if you're not going to be filing a claim, come out and get the information."
Yates recalled a previous veterans resource event in Hays in 2022, when more than 100 veterans attended and at least two dozen former service members who had never enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs system before.
For Yates, helping veterans understand and receive the assistance they have earned remains an important responsibility.
"You have to help us, help you, help yourself," Yates said.
Ellis County recognizes veterans
Ellis County commissioners also recognized the importance of supporting veterans during their Nov. 10 meeting through Operation Green Light for Veterans.
The nationwide initiative, which was passed unanimously by commissioners, encourages counties to illuminate government buildings with green lights from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11 as a symbol of appreciation and support for those who served.
The recognition serves as a reminder veterans are seen, appreciated and supported by the communities they helped protect.
The recognition also serves as a way for residents to show their appreciation by lighting their houses green or displaying green lighting at a residence or place of business.
Veterans Day ceremonies planned
Several opportunities are available for Ellis County residents to recognize veterans and their service on Veterans Day.
Munsch encouraged the public to attend the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Hays, beginning at 11 a.m. today. The event will be hosted at VFW Post 9076, 22nd and Vine streets.
The ceremony will include a flag-raising and the ceremonial folding of the American flag, honoring the service and sacrifices of military veterans.
“A lot of ceremony to it and I'd like to see a lot of the public out there," Munssch said.
Yates also highlighted a Veterans Appreciation event in Ellis, organized by local students, beginning at 9 a.m. today. The event is open to the public.
All three veterans encouraged community members to attend the ceremonies and help younger generations understand the sacrifices made by those who served.
Veterans resource clinic coming to Hays
Veterans and their families will also have an opportunity to receive assistance during a free Veterans Claim and Resource Clinic on Nov. 20 and 21 at the former National Guard Armory on South Main Street in Hays.
The event, organized by the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and partnering veterans organizations, will offer assistance with benefits, claims, enrollment and other resources.
Hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 21. No appointment or preregistration is required.
Rohleder said the clinic will feature accredited veterans service representatives and on-site medical disability examinations, helping veterans navigate the process of receiving benefits.
Rohleder also said the event will also provide an opportunity for veterans to reconnect with fellow service members and share their experiences.
"If nothing else, come and chat with your buds,” Rohleder said. “Bring a friend."