Brazil Times: Local News: In their honor (11/11/09)

World War II Veteran William Diel salutes the American Flag at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which took place in the Clay County Courthouse Wednesday. [Order this photo]

County residents salute veterans

Several area residents turned up to the Clay County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon to honor past and present Veterans.

On Wednesday, the country took time out to celebrate Veterans Day. A handful of businesses across the county conducted individual ceremonies as well.

The Brazil Concert Band entertained guests at the courthouse Wednesday with several song selections.

Following the band's final song, the crowd witnessed the presentation of colors as the American Flag and Indiana State Flag were brought to the front. The flags were marched down United States 40 to the entrance of the courthouse.

After the concert band performed again, V.F.W. Post 1127 Commander Steve Cohee addressed the crowd and veterans on hand.

"All veterans have one thing in common: The pride of our nation," Cohee said.

Indiana Air National Guard Lt. Col. Wayne Booker -- the event's featured speaker -- then took the podium.

"This is a day of celebration and reflection," Booker said. "It's a celebration to honor all American Veterans for service.

"Every one of you deserves the admiration of an entire country," Booker continued.

Following a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," by the band with voice accompaniment by Clay County Recorder Joe Dierdorf, shots were volleyed and band buglers performed "Taps," to close the procession.

God bless each and every Veteran, past and present.

-- Posted by opininated on Wed, Nov 11, 2009, at 9:15 PM

A Dutch family has adopted the grave of Thomas G Sneddon from Brazil, Indiana. He was killed in action in the Netherlands during WWII. If anyone knows this family, please let them know that Thomas hold a dear place in the heart of a Dutch family who continues to honor the sacrifice he made for them so many years ago...The Pitti family says thank you to the Family of Thomas G Sneddon,who is buried in the US military Cemetery in the Netherlands.

-- Posted by Vonmeir on Wed, Nov 11, 2009, at 9:37 PM

Why weren't all schools dismissed for this important holiday? Kids and parents should be attending these events to learn about the men and women who have fought for their freedom.

-- Posted by Localguy1972 on Thu, Nov 12, 2009, at 10:07 AM

I'm not sure why we don't coordinate our school calendar with surrounding counties for many reasons. These are important holidays. Would be one thing if we took the kids to the parades and programs but we don't. We don't have MLK day off nor several others that might also make it a whole lot better for families who have students and the teachers who may be working in one county and teaching in another.

That said however, many of the schools in the county did have programs today and special veteran guests. If the day off is used to just sit home and watch tv while parents are working, that doesn't do much good either...

That aside, thanks to the vets.

-- Posted by Jenny Moore on Thu, Nov 12, 2009, at 7:14 PM