Hundreds pack county courthouse for tribute

A small table with a single place setting sat inside the Monroe County Courthouse rotunda Tuesday morning.

Items such as a single rose and candle were placed on a white tablecloth.

“The single rose symbolizes the blood they many have shed and the sacrifice they made,” said Dayle Pryor, sergeant at arms of American Legion Post No. 18. “And the empty chair is because they are not here with us.”

The POW/MIA empty chair setup was part of the Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by American Legion Post No. 18 on Tuesday morning.

“We do this for respect of the veterans, and we want to honor all of the veterans that served,” said Larry Summitt, 2nd vice commander of Post No. 18.

More than 250 attended the ceremony, Summitt said.

One of the speakers at the ceremony, Iris Kiesling, vice president of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, asked the audience if they had hugged a veteran today and proceeded to hug Summitt.

“Monroe County citizens appreciate the many sacrifices our veterans have made,” Kiesling said. “And I’m grateful that in Washington, D.C., we have a memorial to honor the men and women.”

Capt. Darin Boesiger, the commandant of cadets for the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps, Detachment 215, said he is training 60 cadets in detachment for IU right now.

“I can see it in their faces,” Boesiger said, “the excitement to serve their country. So be rest assured that these dedicated men and women will continue to uphold the awesome freedoms you guys fought for.”

The names of 105 veterans who died this year were read aloud followed by the ringing of an honor bell after each name. Fourteen organizations, such as the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 18 and AMVETS Post 2000, participated in the laying of the wreaths at the veterans memorial. Boy Scouts of America, Troop 100, lowered and raised the flag at the ceremony while taps was played.

Bob Kessler, scout master for Troop 100, said his troop was happy to be a part of the Veterans Day ceremony because it has to do with every element of the 12 scout laws they are taught.

“A boy scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent,” said 8-year-old Ian Kessler, Boy Scout in Troop 100.  
A free ham and beet dinner was served at the American Legion Post No. 18 following the ceremony with a flag retirement at the fair grounds.

“I’ve been to several of these over the years, and it’s always very well done,” said Richard Mabry, an Army veteran.

The veterans and the people involved appreciated the ceremony.

“To you veterans, I am truly humbled, and thank you for your service and sacrifice,” Boesiger said.