Remembering the millions

Wier was one of the many veterans in attendance Tuesday at the American Legion Post 18 Veterans Day ceremony at the Monroe County Courthouse.\nFollowing tradition, the ceremony honored veterans who have died within the past year by lowering the Legion's flag to half-staff.\nThe Honor Guard performed the firing of the rifles and playing of taps. An extra ceremony took place this year where 13 veterans received the Silver Star, a medal given only to WWII veterans who were in combat and received a Purple Heart, Wier said.\nVeterans Day is a time of remembrance for Wier. He remembers his friends who died in combat and never came home, as well as those who have died in the past few years. For the funerals of those who have recently passed, the Legion gives a final salute to the deceased.\n"Whenever I go to a funeral of a fellow veteran and member of the Legion, we wear our Legion caps. After the ceremony, before the family as mourners file out, we march up to the coffin and salute him for the last time," Wier said. "That's sort of like what the veteran's ceremony is about. We're saying farewell to the people we know who have died a long time ago or who have died recently."\nLocal elementary schools got into the act Tuesday with their own ceremonies. Highland Park Elementary School had an all-school convocation, where more than 500 students and community members witnessed the posting of the colors by the Color Guard of the 2nd Battalion 150th Field Artillery Guard Unit.\nNavy Lt. Commander Bryan Klir of the Crane Naval Surface Welfare Center was the featured speaker for the event. His speech focused on what the public truly owes to its veterans, as well as the importance of recognizing their accomplishments and showing them the respect and thanks they deserve, said Jim Morrison, assistant principal at Highland Park.\nAt Tri-North Middle School, students dedicated a flag pole in honor of the day's events. The program featured several student speakers who also honored some veterans in attendance.\nBloomington Mayor John Fernandez attended the event and several others throughout the day.\nFernandez encouraged the students to do their part in serving their country if the situation arises during their lifetime.\n"It's important that every generation assumes their responsibilities for maintaining our liberties and freedoms," he said. "Unfortunately, some generations are called to do it in the form of fighting wars. I just hope the generation I was speaking to will assume their role in peaceful times, helping to define and shape our liberties"\nFernandez said Veterans Day is a time to remember those who have served.\n"I think it's critically important we always remember the millions of men and women who have served our country and ensured that we have great opportunities here at home to have a great life with those liberties," he said.