Veterans Day at An Active Adult Community

This morning, I went to our Veterans Day Ceremony at Village at Deaton Creek, a Del Webb Community. Our community has about 350 men and women who are veterans. Saul Levenson, President of the Military Support Club gave the opening remarks, acknowledging the veterans in attendance, many of whom had on their uniforms.

Mr. Levenson then introduced VDC resident Col Glenn Vogel, a guest speaker who had an exceptional career in the U.S. Air Force. Glenn gave an excellent speech about what it means to be an American—both the responsibilities and benefits. He reminded us of the sacrifices of our veterans. It was a sober moment.

The Ceremony, Continued

The Village Singers presented the Star Spangled Banner and several patriotic songs. The audience participated in many of them. Yes, we knew the words! Then we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Next, Captain Ron Jaeh reached out to those in the audience to recognize family members, friends, or fellow comrades who served our country. Many, many people recognized and shared a story about someone they knew who served in the military. This was touching and made the veterans’ sacrifice even more real.

After the Ceremony

Afterward, local restaurant Block ‘n Blade served a cookout lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs. More stories and experiences poured out across the table. Special thanks to Block ‘n Blade for providing lunch!

“The Unknown Soldier” by Patty Aloot, daughter of Col. John O’Grady

Some call me POW, some call me MIA

Some say I can’t go home again, some say I chose to stay

I’m the unknown soldier, who you refuse to know

 I’m the brother and the friend, you left so long ago

I’m the farmer from Missouri, a soldier from St. Paul

I’m my sister’s hero, I’m a name on the Wall

I’m the unknown soldier, the one you left behind

I’m the country boy from Texas, who you never tried to find

I’m someone’s long-lost daddy, my country’s pride and joy

I’m a forgotten lover and someone’s little boy

I’m the ghost that haunts your past, I’m the living dead

I’m a sailor and a scholar, I’m the boy who lived next door

I’m the poet and the dropout, you sent to fight your war

I’m the unknown soldier who dreamed you’d rescue me

I’m the man who understands, only death will set me free

How could you just forget me, should I forget you, too

You must try and bring me home, for I belong to you

I’m the unknown soldier, the one for whom you cried

I’m the one that you can’t face, the one they told you died

Some call me POW, some call me MIA

I’m the unknown soldier, laid to rest in this Hollowed Grave