Remembering our nation's vets

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM --The nation paused on Saturday to remember veterans and their contributions in fighting for the freedom of America.

The local observance, which was held at the New Ulm Armory, featured a speech by Richard Abraham, past commander of the American Legion Minnesota 2nd District and a former Marine.

At a recent speech in Lake Crystal, Abraham noted that a youth member of the American Legion stood out from among the crowd of older veterans.

"That is a good thing to see," Abraham said. "It touched me to realize there are young people interested in our cause. I am also honored when I see women veterans. All of these are good things."

Membership in an organization of veterans helps many people reconnect because there are so many who lose touch and forget, Abraham said.

"When you are in the military, you become a family," he said. "Once we return, and leave that family, we forget those we left behind. The military is one of the most important families we can have. We are losing many members of this generation and are starting to forget where we came from."

Abraham said Minnesotans respect the U.S. flag. "We are very proud of where we come from here in Minnesota, and are proud of the flag. I don't see how anyone could want to burn that beautiful flag."

He told the story about Jack Loomis of Ennis, Texas, a tight end with the New York Giants, who was wounded and killed in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Loomis died March 8,1945, and received the Medal of Honor.

"He was a hero," he said. "All of those who went had three who stayed. Everyone played a role in the life of a veteran during war. We are here today to honor 26 million veterans. There were many sacrifices made by many people."

He said it is the job of every American to fight for traditions and make sure Veterans Day remains as a day of honor.

Veterans Day was established as a federal holiday in 1938. Originally called Armistice Day because it celebrated the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to remind Americans of the tragedies of war. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans.