Veterans honored at memorial in emotional service

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Just before Thursday’s Veterans Day program in Columbus began, the temperature dropped 6 degrees and a strong wind created a flurry of autumn leaves next to the Bartholomew County Courthouse.

But the nearly 100 spectators held their ground.

As vocalist Matt Pillar sang the national anthem and Chaplain Major Brian Hargis gave the invocation, strong wind gusts blew papers and the sound was picked up through the microphone, creating a noise that resembled thunder.

But still, the crowd held their ground.

As the keynote speaker – retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Rick Caldwell – approached the podium, rain began to fall. The precipitation became heavy at times during Caldwell’s address, prompting technicians to scramble to cover electronic equipment with plastic. The heavy wind gusts were also blowing off hats and turning umbrellas inside out.

But still, everyone held their ground. Nobody fled for cover. Nobody tried to escape to their cars. Nobody even grimaced as they listened intently and respectfully during the annual observance.

And why didn’t anyone flee? It was because the program to recognize all veterans living or dead was worth a little discomfort, retired postal worker and Vietnam veteran Kerry Slahta said.

“We’ve been through a lot more than this,” Slahta said. “I’ve been at many Veterans Day ceremonies when it has been freezing cold, but I refused to leave – just like everybody else.”

For the complete story and more photos, see Friday’s Republic.