Ashtabula honors its veterans
Nov. 11—ASHTABULA — An estimated 100 people gathered on Saturday morning to honor all those who served in the United States armed forces.
Ashtabula American Legion Post 103 Commander Gary Mather provided a history of Veterans Day, from its roots in the Armistice of World War I, through changes to the date, to its now-congressionally mandated date of Nov. 11, which took place in the 1970s.
Mather detailed the importance of how each generation found a way to celebrate veterans, especially after the massive sacrifices of World War II and all the wars and conflicts to follow.
"World War II saw the biggest mobilization in American history," Mather said.
Len Jury provided opening and closing prayers for the event and the Post 103 honor guard presented the colors.
A crowd nearly surrounded the War Memorial grounds with many veterans wearing military-related gear.
Mather detailed the difference between Memorial Day, created to honor military members who died in the line of duty, and Veterans Day, created to honor all veterans alive or dead.
Jury prayed for veterans and asked God's healing touch to be on those who may deal with long-term problems, physical and emotional, from their military experiences.
"Bless them far beyond their expectations," he said.
Mather took over the ceremony after long-time veteran leader Monte Foltz incurred serious injuries in an accident this week. The service was completed in Foltz's honor, Jury said.
Mather was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and served from 1981-88 in a variety of places, including Germany.
"I was in the Cold War era," he said of his time in the service, which didn't include combat but did include drug interdiction missions in foreign countries.
"It is good to come out and honor veterans," Mather said.
Dave Zwaduk, of Jefferson, served in the U.S. Navy from 1993-2000 in a variety of capacities, including on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. He said he has learned a lot from fellow leaders in the American Legion and is attempting to step up to the table when asked.
The Ashtabula Elks Club also honored veterans with a free dinner on Saturday at the club. Roger Corlett, organizer of the event, said they hoped to feed 300 people.
He said members of the Saint John High School baseball team bused the tables and assisted wherever needed, and students from Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus handled traffic control in the parking lot.
Corlett said there were also five or six Elks club members assisting in the service of food.
The money to put on the event comes from the organization's annual golf outing.
