‘Support their team’ to honor veterans

Retired Army officer gives Clintonville address
By: 
Grace Kirchner
Correspondent

CLINTONVILLE — “Veterans Day was one of my favorite days because it is a day to honor our true American veterans, patriots who served and continue to serve this great country,” said Lt. Col. Joseph M. McGrath, of Waupaca, a retired U.S. Army veteran who was the keynote speaker at the Veterans Day program Nov. 11 in Clintonville.

“Veterans come from all walks of life,” McGrath said. “They are farmers, factory workers, high school and college graduates, fire, police, first responders, teachers, doctors, lawyers. They are the fabric of our community and country.”

He went on to say that “veteran” is an all-encompassing word, and each individual has his or her reason for serving. Sometimes there are ideals greater than the individual for which the patriots give their service. Veterans, who are defined by the values and commitments they uphold, as well as the Constitution they swore to defend, hold true to those oaths long after they’ve taken off their uniforms, McGrath said.

McGrath added he is often asked what individuals can do to show their appreciation to a veteran. To this, he said two words come to mind, “earn this.” Made famous in the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” the phrase is a call for survivors and civilians to live full, honorable lives to in some small way repay our soldiers for their sacrifices on the battlefields.

“Ask yourself, what have I done to ‘earn this’?” McGrath said, encouraging attendees to get involved in their communities, schools and local, state and federal governments. “The greatest respect you can offer veterans is to support their team to sustain that ember to keep us free.”

He further emphasized that by example, influence and leadership, we should teach our youth to do the same.

“Do it for the veterans. Do it for your family. Do it for your community and country,” McGrath said.

Mayor Richard Beggs was the master of ceremonies for the ceremony.