https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Veterans-honored-for-pledge-to-society-12642828.php
Veterans honored for pledge to society
Published 12:00 am CST, Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Despite a change in location because of weather concerns, a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the West Central Illinois Leathernecks of the Marine Corps League was attended by hundreds of people wishing to honor the nation's veterans.
The program at First Christian Church acknowledged veterans and those who did not come home for their sacrifice for the nation.
Jim Carleton, commandant of the West Central Illinois Leathernecks, said this was the 10th year the group has helped host the event and he believes this year was one of the event's largest crowds.
"Today, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we offer our gratitude, thanks and honor to each of you who has served and sacrificed for the freedoms we all too many times take for granted," he said.
Carleton read a piece called "A Soldier's Pledge," which he said he feels sums up the meaning behind Veterans Day.
"Freedom and dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth," he said. "Price for this freedom, at times, has been high, but we've never been unwilling to pay that price."
Without the sacrifices of the nation's veterans, Americans would not have some of the freedoms that are guaranteed by the government, he said.
Carleton said that the Jacksonville community has always been supportive of veterans.
"We get tremendous support from the community regardless of what veterans organization we are in," Carleton said. "The community truly is a very supportive group for any veteran activity."
Along with those veterans in attendance, they also honored those who were not.
On the stage was a small round table that acted as a memorial for those who are missing in action, prisoners of war or those who did not return home. The table had five place settings and five men, representing each of the five military branches, placed flags in honor of those men and women at each setting.
West Central Illinois Leathernecks Auxiliary President Jan Carleton said there are many who did not make it home, and it is important to honor them.
"This table is our way of symbolizing those who are missing from our midst from all wars," she said.
The Jacksonville High School band played several patriotic pieces, including the "Armed Forces Medley." As the band played the piece, members of each branch stood as their song was played.
The playing of "Taps" brought Megan Grant to tears as she remembered the services her grandfather, father, brother and son have done for the country.
"It just brought back a lot of memories," Grant said. "The last time I heard 'Taps' was at my dad's funeral two years ago. It was just kind of tough."