Giving thanks to veterans

Veterans, friends, family, and Harrisburg residents gathered on Wednesday morning in the American Legion George Hart Post 167 to pay tribute to veterans and the fallen on Veterans Day.

Following a "social half-hour," the American Legion ceremony began at precisely 11:11 a.m., to commemorate the signing of the armistice that ended the hostilities of World War I at the, "11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month."

Postmaster John Okerson presided over the day's events, saying, "Our country, by necessity, has required great men and women to stand up and keep this country free."

Susie Hodson of the Ladies Auxiliary spoke on the difficulty faced by the families of soldiers.

"Waging war involves more than soldiers who fight in the battlefield," Hodson said. "In our constant quest for world peace, there is need for unity and peace."

Mayor Dale Fowler was the featured speaker for the ceremony. Fowler spoke on the courage and heroics of those who have served, and the history of Veterans Day.

"On Veterans Day we honor our heroes who had the courage to serve, and today is their day," Fowler said.

"As Americans, we should be thankful that we have had so many heroes that have had the courage to serve our country."

Fowler praised the service of veterans, and encouraged those who have not served to remember the sacrifices that had been made for them.

"We have a responsibility to remember not only the courage of our patriots, but also the principles for which they fought, and are still fighting for this day," Fowler said.

During the ceremony, veteran Regnald Reageo was honored by his follower legionnaires with the first ever Veteran of the Year award. Reageo, a 93-year-old veteran of World War II, was chosen for his dedication to his fellow veterans, as well as his community.

"At 93 years old, he's still here at every function we have; he's still doing things for other veterans," Okerson said about Reageo.

"He's always giving himself before he's asking for anything. He's my hero, and I think he's the hero of everyone here."

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919, and was created to celebrate the veterans of WWI. In 1945, Raymond Weeks, a WWII veteran, proposed expanding Armistice Day to celebrate the veterans of all wars. The idea grew in popularity, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill declaring the change from Armistice Day to Veterans Day into law on May 26, 1954.