Toronto American Legion honors veterans

PATRIOTISM — Marine Corps veteran Jack Ernest called patriotism “the soul of a nation” during Veterans Day services in Toronto, Monday. — Christopher Dacanay

TORONTO — Veterans Day services at the Veterans Victory Pavilion featured patriotic music and remarks, remembering Americas’ fallen heroes and promoting ongoing support for soldiers who came home.

Honoring veterans of all wars, Monday’s service was organized by Toronto’s American Legion St. Mihiel Post 86, Sons of American Legion of Post 86 and Unit 86 Auxiliary. Following the service, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the post, after which veterans were treated to a meal inside.

C. David Rhodes, chaplain for Post 86 and a Vietnam War Army veteran, served as master of ceremonies. He gave sweeping thanks to all veterans present and their spouses, as well as those who maintain the veterans memorial park.

To all veterans gathered, Rhodes said, “This is your day. We want to honor you, we want to believe in you and we want to thank you, knowing that you knew, when your time was tight, that God was with you.”

The Rev. Michael Bongart, who served in the Army from 1966 through 1972 and was wounded in Vietnam, led the invocation.

REMEMBERING — The American Legion of Post 86 Firing Squad saluted fallen veterans during Veterans Day services in Toronto, Monday. — Christopher Dacanay

“With heartfelt gratitude,” he prayed, “bless all our veterans who have faithfully dedicated their lives in times of war and peace, so that we may continue to appreciate the freedoms that we now enjoy. … Bless also all our veterans who are presently serving on active duty. Be with and watch over each of them and their families as they continue to protect our nation, a nation that exists under your divine authority.”

Goldie Litva, auxiliary unit chaplain, also prayed for veterans, “who have given so much for our freedom.” She added, “Remember those who have given the supreme sacrifice, for we pray they will never be forgotten.”

The Jefferson County Scouts, organized by Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran Pat Green, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, the Toronto High School Band, led by band director Abigail Jansen, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Litva then honored Post 86’s Gold Star Mother, Adriana “Agie” Rock, whose son Nathaniel Rock was killed on Aug. 1, 2005, at the age of 26 while serving in Iraq. A portion of state Route 7 near Toronto’s Franklin Street Extension exit is named after Rock, who was a sergeant in the Marines.

Richie Coburn, Toronto Junior/Senior High School music director, performed a rendition of the song “American Soldier” by Toby Keith.

SUPPORT — Navy veteran Holly Lewis charged listeners at Toronto’s Veterans Day services in Toronto to “be the one” to support veterans in their lives who may be struggling with isolation. — Christopher Dacanay

Toronto Mayor John Parker offered a welcome to all on behalf of the city. He recognized veterans currently employed by the city: William Scheel and Joe Eltringham of the fire department, Tom Anderson of the recreation department, Jared Rock of the police department, Sam Beckett of the water department and Bob Holmes and Ted Troski of the street department, as well as Kathy Hartline of TEMS.

“On this Veterans Day, let us rededicate ourselves to keeping hallowed trust with all those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States of America, that America may serve you as well as you’ve served our country,” Parker said.

One of the service’s two guest speakers was Jack Ernest, a sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War — a scout, interrogator and Purple Heart recipient. Trained in the Vietnamese language during his time in the service, Ernest has been named Jefferson County’s Veteran of the Year and was inducted into Ohio’s Veterans Hall of Fame in 2012. He’s currently part of the Jefferson County Veterans Service Commission.

“Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?” Ernest asked the crowd. “We are here today to recognize and honor those that have made it possible for you and I … to assemble here today in freedom.”

Those who have answered the call to serve presently number about 23 million across the nation, with about 10 percent being women, Ernest said. Each of those individuals has a story to tell of hopes and dreams put on hold to defend the nation. Many in the military were wounded or died, Ernest said, and many still suffer the effects of chemicals used in warfare, such as Agent Orange.

Ernest said he unapologetically honors the U.S., its flag and its defenders. It’s those veterans’ sacrifices that have earned liberty for the nation, which is why veterans shouldn’t just be thanked with pleasantries but with “a population that understands those sacrifices did not and do not come without a price and by ensuring that all our nation’s heroes receive the proper care and benefits where they come home.”

Twenty-two veterans on average commit suicide every day, amounting to 8,030 per year, Ernest said, noting that his own brother had fallen among that count. This is an “unacceptable” tragedy that continues to occur, he said, adding that those who see a veteran should always greet them with: “Thank you for your service. I appreciate my freedom.”

Ernest challenged listeners to think of how they can support veterans. He became emotional while recalling a particular act of generosity he’d received, noting his sorrow over the fallen comrades who would never experience such an act.

Concluding, Ernest called patriotism “the soul of a nation” and warned listeners to never let it or respect for veterans die, lest the nation begin to decompose.

Following “America the Beautiful” by the Toronto High School Band, Rhodes introduced Holly Lewis, a Navy veteran from the Gulf War era. Previously responsible for Navy computer and surveillance systems, Lewis is now a member of American Legion Stevens-Christian Memorial Post 557 in Wintersville, treasurer for the American Legion Department of Ohio and owner of Holly Lewis Coaching.

Lewis spoke on how veterans may face loneliness upon returning to civilian life and how that loneliness can have a profound negative effect on veteran’s mental health — possibly leading to increased anxiety, depression or risk for suicidal thoughts.

With that reality, campaigns like the American Legion’s Be the One are important, Lewis said. That campaign looks to break down stigma, encouraging veterans to seek mental health help and empowering those in their lives to be active supporters. Individuals need not be mental health professionals to make a difference in a veteran’s life, she said.

“As we honor our veterans, let’s pledge to do more than just say thank you,” Lewis said. “Let’s promise to be the one who reaches out, who listens, who cares. Let’s acknowledge that serving our veterans also means fighting against the isolation they may feel and supporting them in finding the connections that they need.”

Officials with Post 86 placed wreaths at the veterans memorial, including Ray Bell, Post 86 commander and Army veteran; Tom Lowery, SAL commander, and Mary Dacko, Unit 86 Auxiliary president.

Coburn sang “God bless the USA” before Bongart and Litva offered closing prayers.

Rhodes gave special acknowledgment to the Auxiliary and SAL for preparing meals, Post 86 officers and bar personnel and Coburn for his equipment and other contributions.

To conclude, the American Legion Post 86 Firing Squad led by Army veteran Sergeant.-at-Arms Chuck White gave a rifle salute to fallen veterans. Taps was played as nearby bells rang at noon.