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Carr: Patriotic spirit is still present
It was a decidedly chilly affair late Wednesday morning as community members gathered on the south side of the Putnam County Courthouse to take part in the traditional Veterans Day program.
The combined Greencastle American Legion-VFW honor guard kept the ceremony prompt with the laying of wreaths at the square’s war memorials, its 21-volley salute and the playing of “Taps.” Beforehand, Almost Home across the street brought cups of coffee to the veterans.
Such ceremonies -- whether short or long -- across the world commemorate the 11th hour of the 11th day of November 1918, when the armistice that ended World War I took effect.
As the program’s featured speaker, Master Sergeant Shannon Carr likewise kept her remarks concise. A 24-year veteran of the Indiana Air National Guard, she serves in the 181st Intelligence Wing based in Terre Haute.
“We can still see the patriotic spirit today,” Carr said. She pointed to small examples of patriotism -- such as bumper stickers and mini-flags -- which might be taken for granted, but send the same message of supporting our troops.
Carr highlighted that Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor the bravery of veterans of all conflicts in which the United States has been involved -- from the Revolutionary War to World War II to the War on Terror.
“We must continue to honor them,” she said of the nation recognizing veterans and their service beyond just Veterans Day. “We know that without them, there would be land of the free.”
Carr ultimately encouraged everyone to be active parts of their community, from voting in elections to supporting businesses. This, she suggested, continues to make it and the nation, “the very best that it can be.”