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Celebrating America's Heroes; Courthouse, Schools Host Events To Mark Veterans Day |
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Thursday, 12 November 2009 |
Florrie Lyle continued a time-honored tradition Wednesday when she rang the bell her mother handed her to ring to mark the end of World War I.
Lyle, now 96, recalled that her mother told her: “Ring the bell; the war is over.”
Every year since that momentous occasion, Lyle has rung that bell on Veterans Day — sometimes privately and sometimes publicly, and in recent years for the annual observance at the Saline County Courthouse.
Lyle, a longtime resident of Benton, was a child living in Searcy when the war thought to end all wars came to a close in 1918.
Roger Lee, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2256 in Benton, commended Lyle for her patriotism and her willingness to continue to share this personal experience from that significant day in U.S. history.
Lee, assisted by representatives of the VFW Auxiliary, conducted the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the veterans memorial area on the courthouse lawn.
Wreaths were laid at the various monuments by Linnie Lyle, representing Provincia de La Sal Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Fred Wray, representing the American Legion; Velma Smart, president of the VFW Auxiliary; and Stephanie Langley, district VFW Auxiliary president.
Carol Williams, chaplain of the VFW Auxiliary, gave the invocation and the Rev. Jason Tallent of Holland Chapel Baptist Church gave the closing prayer.
The national anthem was sung by Audrey Curtis.
Lee recognized veterans from various branches of military service as well as local, county and state officials attending the event.
He noted that those who have served during times of war and times of peace have made it possible for others to assemble for ceremonies such as the one taking place Wednesday at the courthouse.
“Generations of men and women have demonstrated their willingness to put country before self ... generations of patriots who served for the greater good, who never sought glory or recognition for their own sake, but it comes nonetheless as we honor them today,” Lee said.
He noted that the “good works” these individuals performed are “a human accomplishment of rare wonder.”
“Countless millions throughout the world have forever been the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, kindness and generosity,” he said.
Lee noted that oftentimes freedoms are taken for granted and go unacknowledged.
“What veterans have contributed to the cause of liberty and the protection of American values and ideals are enduring because of the quiet, resilient strength of character and faultless loyalty ... of those who have served as our defenders during peace time and in war.
“It’s been said they ‘have merely done their duty,’” Lee said.
“By simply ‘doing their duty,’ veterans were willing to step forward in harm’s way so that others could also share the same gifts of liberty and prosperity that we all enjoy,” he said.
“Our sense of gratitude cannot sleep,” Lee said. “We must be willing to pick them up when they are down, help point the way to a new life when hey return home and carry them when they are weary,” he said. “We the many have benefited from the sacrifice and service of the relative few and it is our responsibility to ensure our veterans are cared for and tended to.
“It is one we are obligated to fulfill ... it is one that honor demands of us,” he added.
“To do anything less would only serve to dishonor and diminish our standing as the greatest nation on Earth,” he said.
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