Kids & Family

Deerfield Honors Its Veterans

Crowd turns our in wet and cold to honor the nation's heroes on Veterans Day.

By Ed Collins

The weather was wet and chilly, but the spirits of Deerfield’s citizens were warm as a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered under tents at the Veterans Memorial in Jewett Park Monday to honor the nation’s veterans on their special day. 

Deerfield’s American Legion Post 738 Commander John P. Coughenouer, an Army Viet Nam veteran, provided the keynote talk. 

“Veterans Day is a time to honor not just those who have fought for us in battle, but all of the outstanding men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces since its founding more than 237 years ago,” Coughenouer said. 

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He said not all veterans have experienced combat, but a common bond exists among all veterans who have shared their oath down through history to die defending this nation if called upon by their Commander in Chief. 

“It is up to us as grateful citizens to ensure that every veteran feels that his or her service to this country is appreciated by their fellow Americans,” he indicated. 

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“There are many tangible ways that we can acknowledge a veteran’s sacrifices, but the easiest is to simply say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ ” 

“Ladies and gentlemen, let us always honor our 22 million veterans and honor them as the saviors of our democracy that they are. Even when the guns are quiet,” Coughenouer concluded.


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