Ceremony honors local veterans

Ed Mauritson was only 20 years old when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. Sixty-three years later, he and veterans across Monroe County celebrated Veterans Day on Monday morning at the Monroe County Courthouse.

A ceremony was organized as a tribute to all those enlisted in the five branches of the U.S. military who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the country.

Mauritson, who came to Indiana in 1972, served in the Air Force for 22 years. After retiring from IU, he joined the Monroe County Honor Guard where he was appointed as commander in 1995.

The Monroe County Honor Guard is an organization of military veterans who aim to raise awareness of veteran’s issues.

“We do military honors and sometimes go to nursing homes to give veterans a Christmas greeting,” Mauritson said. “We’re on the go all the time.”

Richard Dunbar, commander of American Legion Post 18, opened the ceremony by reflecting on why the country gathers every year on Nov. 11 to celebrate and honor those who have protected the United States.

“It is recognized that Veterans Day honors all American military men and women, living and deceased,” Dunbar said. “It is a day to show them we deeply appreciate the sacrifice they have made with their lives to keep our country free.”

The guest speaker was Lt. Colonel Jason Turner, professor of Aerospace Studies at IU.

“For me, Veteran’s Day is not about solely looking back but also about embracing the nation for all of those who call themselves Americans,” Turner said. “I believe the best way to honor our nation’s veterans is not just by thanking them for their service. I believe we can best honor our veterans by living up to the ideals of service and dedication and embody the best of what it means to be a United States citizen.”

Afterward, Tom Triplett, service to armed forces coordinator for American Red Cross, advocated his project, the Our Heroes Tree.

Triplett came up with the idea four years ago as an opportunity to honor veterans retired and currently serving.

Before concluding the ceremony with a classic performance of Taps from the Monroe County Honor Guard, James May, adjutant of American Legion Post 18, read the 114 names of veterans who lost their lives within the last year to honor and remember their legacies.

Follow reporter Brett Frieman on Twitter @brttfrmn.