By Tracy Buffington/Executive EditorMonday
Nov 09, 2009 - 11:00:00 am CST
http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/11/09/news/local/doc4af83fc2d4e67469321466.txt
One doesn’t have to look far to see examples of patriotism and veterans helping veterans.
Just ask Jerry Verbeek.
An Army veteran, Verbeek talked about ways the Fremont community shows its patriotism during his speech at the Lodge of Military Tribute on Sunday.
“I urge you to remember them and their families with reverence and respect,†he said during the ceremony at Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15. “We live in our free and blessed country today because of their devotion to duty and the sacrifices imposed on them and families by military duties. We should never forgot the families; the families also served.â€
Verbeek pointed out the work of the county’s veterans services officer Steve Snover, the Fremont Honor Guard and the Avenue of Flags among the many signs of patriotism that take place in the area
“Recently the Honor Guard traveled to Lynchfield, Neb., to perform a graveside ceremony for a World War II veteran when other units could not or would not do it,†he said. “This was an act of patriotism and veterans helping veterans.â€
He called the Avenue of Flags “a glorious site.
“The flags are posted and maintained by many people representing military and civilian organizations. Again, an act of patriotism and veterans helping veterans,†Verbeek said.
“Let us never forget that our veterans served our country by the direction of our federal government; not only at the expense of their own personal lives, but also the lives of their families,†he added. “Let us not forget many veterans returned to civilian life and became leaders of our country and our communities.â€
Sunday’s tribute was the first one held by the local lodge in recent memory, organizers said. It followed a service developed by Alvin Benemerito of the Pine Ridge Lodge.
Masons who were veterans were honored. Those in attendance were presented with certificates and blue forget-me-not pins — a symbol used by German Masons just before and during World War II.
“We want to honor and thank you,†said Bryan Regier, who led the ceremony.
Nov 09, 2009 - 11:00:00 am CST
http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/11/09/news/local/doc4af83fc2d4e67469321466.txt
One doesn’t have to look far to see examples of patriotism and veterans helping veterans.
Just ask Jerry Verbeek.
An Army veteran, Verbeek talked about ways the Fremont community shows its patriotism during his speech at the Lodge of Military Tribute on Sunday.
“I urge you to remember them and their families with reverence and respect,†he said during the ceremony at Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15. “We live in our free and blessed country today because of their devotion to duty and the sacrifices imposed on them and families by military duties. We should never forgot the families; the families also served.â€
Verbeek pointed out the work of the county’s veterans services officer Steve Snover, the Fremont Honor Guard and the Avenue of Flags among the many signs of patriotism that take place in the area
“Recently the Honor Guard traveled to Lynchfield, Neb., to perform a graveside ceremony for a World War II veteran when other units could not or would not do it,†he said. “This was an act of patriotism and veterans helping veterans.â€
He called the Avenue of Flags “a glorious site.
“The flags are posted and maintained by many people representing military and civilian organizations. Again, an act of patriotism and veterans helping veterans,†Verbeek said.
“Let us never forget that our veterans served our country by the direction of our federal government; not only at the expense of their own personal lives, but also the lives of their families,†he added. “Let us not forget many veterans returned to civilian life and became leaders of our country and our communities.â€
Sunday’s tribute was the first one held by the local lodge in recent memory, organizers said. It followed a service developed by Alvin Benemerito of the Pine Ridge Lodge.
Masons who were veterans were honored. Those in attendance were presented with certificates and blue forget-me-not pins — a symbol used by German Masons just before and during World War II.
“We want to honor and thank you,†said Bryan Regier, who led the ceremony.