As it has in the past, the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA) held a Veterans Day breakfast in the Veteran's Hall of the War Memorial Building, 54 W. Main St., Leola, on Nov. 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The observance opened with at least 30 veterans in attendance. Rep. Keith Greiner served as master of ceremonies, and pastor Bruce Tully of Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers, said the opening prayer. The national anthem was played, and the group said the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the hymns of each branch of the military were played. Veterans were encouraged to rise when they heard the hymn of the branch in which they had served.
Greiner then introduced Lancaster County Commissioner Craig Lehman, who spoke about what Veterans Day means to him. A Navy veteran, Lehman referenced his memories of others he served with. He pointed to the flag as a promise of the ideals of the United States. "As humans we are imperfect, so our country will always be a work in progress," he said, adding, "What we have that no other nation has is the best ideals to strive for ... that is truly a miracle." Lehman pointed to veterans as the people who give Americans the opportunity to strive for that more perfect union. "They are the ones who make sure this country is free ... and safe," he said.
Following a pancake and sausage breakfast, Don Beatty of the Liberty War Bird Association spoke briefly. The organization, which was founded in 2011 by a Vietnam helicopter pilot, has purchased a Huey helicopter that was utilized by two different units in Vietnam and sustained war damage. It is currently repaired and flying. "We use it to educate people about what happened in Vietnam and what the helicopter's role was," said Beatty. When Beatty finished speaking, Bob Zook of ULTWMA presented him with a check from ULTWMA to the Liberty War Bird Association.
Jean Summers of Patriotic Stitchers, a group that is sponsored by ULTWMA, also spoke. Summers explained that the Stitchers create blankets, afghans, and quilts for Lancaster County veterans in hospice care. "We also give them to Lebanon and Coatesville Veterans Affairs facilities," she said. "Since March, we have given out more than 100 blankets."
Greiner spoke briefly, asking for a moment of silence for members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. "We are here to honor all our brave veterans and their noble service to our country," he said. "It's our civic responsibility to never forget the sacrifice made on our behalf. This nation remains free only because of those who serve others," he concluded.
Joe Wells, who served in the Army Signal Corps from 1967 to 1970, including a year in Vietnam, was the keynote speaker. Wells taught history in the Manheim Central School District for many years, and he is a collector of military identification tags, more commonly known as dog tags. In a multimedia demonstration, Wells showed photos of tags and passed tags around the room for attendees to see and touch. He explained that during the Civil War, soldiers made their own tags from coins or had them made by jewelers. During World War I, the armed forces began issuing tags, which included a soldier's name, military branch, and service number. By the 1920s, some tags included date in service, birth date, and a thumb print. Later, blood types were added. Before World War II began, next-of-kin tags included the name and address of the soldier's closest relative.
The event concluded with a closing prayer offered by Tully and the playing of taps in memory of departed veterans.
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