Posted on 11/13/2005 6:10:44 AM PST by SandRat
BISBEE — The U.S. flag was in the spotlight during Bisbee’s Veterans Day ceremony.
“That is the only flag I will ever salute,” said Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 836 Commander Frank Martinez Jr., who coordinated the ceremony.
More than 50 residents turned out for the celebration that was held at Bisbee’s historic Evergreen Cemetery.
Martinez said Veterans Day is a time to honor and respect fallen comrades, those missing in action, and those still serving in the armed forces. He said these soldiers are the backbone of how democracy was instilled.
Veterans have stood side by side as a way to serve the United States and fight for the freedoms citizens cherish, Martinez said.
In doing so, other citizens can enjoy freedom and democracy.
“I get up in the morning, and I salute that flag behind us,” Martinez said. “I stand in front of you as district commander of Post 836 to say that I am proud to be a veteran.”
He also will never forget about wives and children that were left behind when their husbands and fathers left to fight in wars. Martinez said whole families had to endure during these trying times.
The VFW commander said if he was younger, he would not mind serving his country again.
“In a heartbeat, I would go back to protect my flag of the United States,” he said.
He then read excerpts from a poem about freedom that was written during the Vietnam War and a story titled “Old Glory,” where the U.S. flag spoke about itself.
The veteran that was the guest of honor at Friday’s ceremony was World War II veteran Julio Palomino, who served in Europe.
Palomino said being a former military man allowed his four daughters to have a free life. He said he always stressed to his daughters that they did not have to enlist in the military because he had already fought for them.
“I am proud, very proud, to be a veteran,” he said. “I want to thank Martinez for keeping the spirits of the veterans alive.”
Palomino’s daughter, Martha Swasey, said Friday’s ceremony took on an additional importance to her family because her son, Julio, is now serving in the military in Germany after spending some time in Iraq.
“I feel Julio is trying to follow in my father’s footsteps in trying to keep the spirit of the veterans alive,” she said.
Another grandson, David Chavez, just joined the Marines.
“I think the boys felt they had to step forward,” Swasey said.
Ben Hernandez, who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, called Friday’s ceremony beautiful.
“It is a reminder of all of the fallen veterans who fought for our county and freedom,” he said. “I felt very proud to be here.”
BTTT
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