Lincoln's American Legion observes Veterans Day

Lincoln AmericanLegion Post #9 hosted their annual Veteran's Day observance for a packed crowd at the Lincoln Community Hall Nov. 11.

The day marked 104 years since the end of World War I in 1918 and honored the continued service of veterans to their communities beyond the end of their military careers.

"It is about the approximately 19 million U.S. veterans who are still with us today and the millions who have preceded them since the American Revolution," said Post 9 Adjutant Doug Vulcan, who delivered this year's prepared remarks. "Many serve their communities as first responders, teachers, health care workers or church leaders. Some are business owners, farmers, company workers or retirees."

The speech also focused on the issue of veteran suicide and the need to end the stigma of asking for help.

"Veterans value courage and it takes courage to ask for help," Vulcan said. "We must be pro-active. Ask and encourage veterans to seek help before they pass a point of no return."

The speech likewise touched on hiring veterans as a way to prevent homelessness among them and the politics surrounding spending on Veterans programs.

"When a politician laments the cost of a veterans program, it is up to us to remind them of the cost of being a veteran," Vulcan said. "Whether it's exposure to burn pits or other toxin, many veterans today continue to pay a high price for their military service. It is up to us to ensure that they always have access to high quality health care and benefits reflecting the thanks of a great nation."

Following the ceremony, John Beckman,Sr., a veteran of Vietnam, stepped forward to remind the crowd that Veteran's Day isn't only about those who have seen combat, but also about support troops and military families.

"There is a misconception that people have that you aren't a good veteran unless you were on a front line somewhere and endangered your life," he said. "But that life would have not been there to support the freedoms we were fighting for ... without the background of the people who were supporting that particular person. Not only that, the wives and loved ones and children of those who have gone overseas."

"When I went over with my group to Vietnam, my country called me and I went, but I would not have the support that I needed without those who I have mentioned, who never get mentioned."

The observance wrapped up with a chili feed, a tradition started by the late Rich Paul, the Post 9 service officer. "Veterans Day was my dad's favorite American Legion Day," Paul's daughter and legionnaire Dawn Charron said. "He's the one who wanted to do the chili feed. That chili feed will go on, and on and on."