North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By John Smithson
The North Strand American Legion Post 186 held its annual Veterans Day program at the NMB Sports Complex on Tuesday morning.
American Legion Post Commander Len Tobin welcomed the Legion Riders and introduced Post Chaplain Mark Fahner for the invocation. The American Legion Post 186 Honor Guard presented the colors, and the Theodosia Burr chapter of the DAR led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Marlisa Small sang the National Anthem and each branch of military service had their flag raised while veteran members of each branch stood and were recognized. Post Commander Len Tobin introduced the guest speaker for the program, First Sergeant Retired Carl S. MacLeod.
“Duty, Honor, Service. The sacrifices we make for the freedom of our nation. Our stars. Our mission. Our memories. We all came home different. But we all have one thing in common, the love for our flag. Let’s have a moment of silence for those who’ve been attacked or murdered for their beliefs both here in the United States and around the world.”
“Today’s world, where politics, social division are often the focus, it is critical to remember the strength and spirit that makes America the greatest country on earth. It is my hope that these tragic events will bring us all closer together and allow us to look past what makes one an individual, because at the end of the day it is our differences that unite us as Americans.”
“As our Pledge is said during this battle of good versus evil, let us stand together as one nation under God. Recently, as some of you may know, we lost our daughter to the drug surge released on our country by the drug cartels. To eliminate the drug trade that is killing so many of our children, we all need to stand together as Americans and save our nation from the evil that is out there.”
“My career spanned over forty years when I retired as a first sergeant. I am a lifetime member of the American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. After multiple assignments in the United States, Europe and Asia and some not-so-pleasant places, my last assignment was in upstate New York. I was the senior maintenance noncommissioned officer in that position. In that role I oversaw multiple organizational maintenance for the combat battalion.”
“Throughout my career I established a common theme for top leadership positions all over the world to take care of soldiers and their families. I was a faithful soldier steeped in meeting the high standards of the war fighters of my time.”
MacLeod went over the history of Veterans Day. He stated that the day honors veterans both living and deceased, whether in times of war or peace. “Unlike Memorial Day which honors those that died while in military service, Veterans Day celebrates the service and sacrifice of all veterans who have so honorably served their country”
MacLeod also spoke about how the holiday began as Armistice Day after World War I and eventually became known as Veterans Day in 1954. He also asked all veterans attending to “stand and be recognized for your honorable service and sacrifice for our nation. I am incredibly thankful for all the outstanding patriotic individuals that I have been lucky enough to serve with over the course of my career.”
“I am also thankful for all those who have worn their uniform in service for the military. Some of us have spent months or years, at times in combat zones away from our loved ones. Some of us never deployed to combat. But every single one of us sacrificed to a lesser or greater extent and displayed courage, discipline and dedication to our mission and to our country.”
I am honored to be part of this brother and sisterhood. Today, let us reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the military. It is also important to remember the families of those who serve who are often unrecognized heroes. Remember as you leave today. Veterans Day is not just about sales, free food or coffee, but the veterans of our nation. Let us not just thank our veterans, but stand with them, not just today but every day.” MacLeod concluded.
Following MacLeod, Commander Tobin introduced the presentation of the wreaths, the rifle salute and Taps. Marlisa Small asked everyone to join with her in singing “God Bless America”.
A closing prayer and final remarks by Commander Tobin concluded the program.
