Click the play button above to view the ceremony courtesy of Bryan Dennett, Eagle Media.
By NATE KING
Salina Post
More than 100 Salina and Saline County residents gathered under a clear blue sky at Sunset Park in Salina on Nov. 11 for a Veterans Day ceremony honoring local veterans and recognizing their service to the country.
Event seargent at arms and retired Marine Dan Pestinger greeted the audience and thanked them for their attendance.
"Behind us, we have the greatest citizens of Salina and Saline County. We salute you," Pestinger said as he saluted those in attendance.
While attendees arrived, a slight cool breeze blew many multi-colored red, orange and yellow leaves off trees in the park- marking a quintessential Fall Kansas day. Members of the Salina Republican Women served hot chocolate, donut holes and coffee.
Michelle Cardinal Dolan, Executive Director of Music at Kansas Wesleyan University, opened the ceremony by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner." The audience joined with her and finished the song in unison. Among the attendees were students from Southeast of Saline (SES) Middle School, first graders from Cornerstone Elementary, Salina Mayor Bill Longbine, and others.
For Trent Douglas, SES Middle School social studies educator, Veterans Day provides a meaningful lesson beyond the classroom.
“We like to make sure the kids understand and recognize the sacrifices that many people have made to make this country free and to give us the benefits we have,” Douglas said. “Seeing the ceremony, interacting with the veterans, and taking time afterward to look at the memorial—it all gives them a deeper appreciation for what’s been done for them, for the freedoms they enjoy.”
Douglas noted that for some students, Veterans Day has personal significance.
“We have a few students whose parents are veterans, so it means a little more to them,” he said. “They’ve experienced that connection firsthand.”
The first-grade students from Cornerstone played a special role in the ceremony. Under the direction of First-Grade Teacher Shannon Stevens, the Cornerstone students recited a portion of the Declaration of Independence.
"We started practicing the first day of school around mid-August; we learn a little bit every day," Stevens said. "We finished the last of our selection last week, so we just work on it a little bit every day."
After the students finished their recitation, attendees quickly rose to their feet and applauded the students' hard work and dedication.
Retired Army Veteran and longtime resident of Salina, John Ourada, said he was impressed by the first graders' demonstration of patriotism.
"I tell you, they are impressive. I wonder how many hours they practiced that because that was a long thing to recite," Ourada said.
Ourada served in the U.S. Army on active duty in Germany from 1970 to 1972, initially held the rank of Lieutenant and ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His career spanned 28 years, during which he served as a combat engineer in Germany, commanded a dump truck company in North Dakota, and later joined the artillery in Minnesota, where he held various roles, including supply officer and training inspector.
Ourada said he appreciated the event turnout and the teachers who brought their students to attend and participate.
Guest Speaker Master Sgt. David Medina
Leslie W. Kreps American Legion Post 62 Legion Commander Richard Kinney served as event emcee. Kinney has held the title of commander since Oct. 31.
Master Sgt. David Medina, this year’s event guest speaker, shared remarks that highlighted the courage and dedication of the nation’s service members. Medina provided some clarification regarding national holidays honoring veterans.
"Veterans Day is not Memorial Day. Too often, the two days are mistaken for one another. On Memorial Day, we honor the fallen by attending memorial services within our community or laying flowers and planting flags on graves at local veteran cemeteries. Veterans Day, however, is an opportunity to do the same but is also an appropriate time to show your appreciation to veteran friends and family," Medina said.
Reflecting on the legacy of service members throughout history, Medina emphasized the profound sacrifices that have shaped the nation.
"For over 240 years, the men and women of our nation have stepped forward to serve in our armed forces and defend our freedom. They have risked their lives for the land, for the people, and for the ideals that we all cherish. Our battles, our victories, indeed, our way of life are owed not to great moments or important dates, but to the actions and sacrifices of the men and women willing to step into the breach for their country and for the cause of freedom," Medina said.
Several veterans said this was their first time attending the Sunset Park Veterans Day ceremony.
"This is the first time I've come," said Air Force veteran Dr. Randy Hassler said. "It was excellent... I’m coming back."
Hassler, a retired physician and former F-4 pilot, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1979 in Vietnam. Originally from Salina, he’s lived in the area for 40 years with his family, which includes two sons, four granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters.
U.S. Navy veteran Vaughn Mortimer attended the Veterans Day ceremony at Sunset Park for the first time this year. Mortimer served in the Navy from 1982 to 1988 aboard the Sturgeon-class attack submarine, USS Seahorse.
"I was stationed in Charleston on the USS Seahorse, and then I went to the shipyard in Washington state for a little over a year, and then I got out to the Navy," Mortimer said.
Mortimer is a lifelong resident of the Salina area. He is originally from Gypsum and has lived in the Salina area most of his life, aside from his years of service. Mortimer currently serves as the vice commander of the USS Dorado Base, which is part of the United States Submarine Veterans organization.
Ways you can help a veteran
During his closing remarks, Medina shared small and big ways nonservice members can show their gratitude and appreciation to veterans.
"What can you do for veterans? You might consider writing a heartfelt letter or spending some time with a veteran, volunteering at your local veterans organization, or donating to nonprofits," Medina said. "Your efforts can help veterans feel valued and supported, not just on this day, but throughout the year."
Following the ceremony the American Legion Post 62 hosted a luncheon at the VFW Post 1432 at 1108 W. Crawford.
American and U.S. Armed Forces flags were placed at Sunset Park courtesy of Kenny Cochran and Richard Chektanoe. The Color Guard comprised representatives of the Marine Corps, League of American Legion Family, and VFW Auxillary.