Niles celebrates Veteran’s Day: ‘It was do or die. And we had to do it’
About 125 people gathered at Niles’ Veterans Memorial Waterfall in sunny fall weather Saturday to attend a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Niles Memorial Post 3579 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Veterans from every conflict from World War II to Afghanistan, from across all branches, were present, many wearing caps or jackets embroidered with the names of their units.
Tony Vieceli, a 97-year-old Private First Class, spoke to Pioneer Press to reflect on his service in World War II. “It was a hell of an experience, but each one of us had a job to do,” said Vieceli. “It was, you know, do or die. And we had to do it — or else we would all be talking Japanese today,” he said.
Vieceli was stationed in the Philippines the week that the United States liberated the country from Japanese occupation. He said when he returned from service, he made a good connection with the Niles chapter of the VFW.
Vieceli looks at the conflicts going on in the world and opines that something should be done to address them. Vieceli used the example of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his invasion of Ukraine. “He just wants to make a name for himself and add some land to Russia, you know? That’s the way I see it,” said Vieceli.
“We as humans, we have got to have more control over these leaders,” he added.
WWII veteran Bette Horstman, 101, a lieutenant medic, attended the ceremony and shared a similar sentiment on how politics has divided the country. “I just feel there’s an apathy or too much political things. We don’t recognize that you need the military,” she said.
Horstman said the way women have been recognized as veterans has changed greatly since she has served. When the war ended, she said, “We women were nothing. We were not recognized.”
A couple of years ago, Horstman took part in Operation HerStory, an initiative put together by grassroots organizations to recognize and celebrate 93 female veterans by flying them out to Washington D.C. Horstman said it was an “awesome trip” and “the most significant event in my life as far as being a veteran.”
“We have a responsibility to our country to contribute — allow us to contribute,” said Horstman. “Don’t just recognize the men … go and recognize the women. We have an obligation and responsibility to do something for our country.”
Niles Mayor George Alpogianis and village trustees John Jekot and Morgan Dubiel attended the ceremony. “I feel that our country can never do enough for our veterans, and they always need to do some more,” said Alpogianis.
“We know it wasn’t easy on you, but we all want you to know that we’re always here for you in any capacity, no matter what,” said Alpogianis.
