Wetterling

Last week it seems I spent more time with veterans than ever before and it all began over a year ago.

A year ago I, and a fellow Legionnaire, visited the veterans parade in the hamlet of Echo. What is so special about that? It was presented by the Echo School District and orchestrated by the teachers and approximately 350 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

In the afternoon, I returned to Echo to attend the assembly to honor veterans. I was so impressed with their presentation that an idea to promote the event rumbled through my brain. I wanted more veterans to witness the event that made a vet feel as tho he/she was really appreciated.

Our American Legion Post meets once a month and every now and then I’d mention our future involvement concerning this endeavor.

Two months ago, I approached a local church who had a “seniors bus” that would be perfect for handling the transportation of 20 or so vets to Echo. When those plans fell through (insurance reasons) I formulated Plan B — we’d car pool. I passed this info along to a bus driver friend (and a vet) of what had taken place and he promptly said, “Let me see what I can do.”

A week later he informed me the bus company he worked for would provide a bus and he would be our driver. Thank you Mid-Columbia Bus Co.

Final plans were made and the information was passed along to our Post members. On Nov. 9, 11 of us boarded the bus for the Echo parade and true to form, the Echo students and faculty pulled off another great parade. The students were so enthusiastic that it spilled over into the small crowd. It was an honor to stand on Main Street and salute the flag as a soloist sang the national anthem.

Following the parade, Brian, the driver, hustled us back to Hermiston for lunch at a local diner. It is true, having lunch with a bunch of veterans is good for the soul. Then it was back to Echo to attend the assembly that was going to be held in the gymnasium.

Once again, it was worth attending.

As we were getting ready to walk down the “Hall of Honor” one of our vets said to me, “It is all you said it would be.” I’d like to know what he was thinking after he walked down the “Hall of Honor” where the entire school lined the hallway and applauded as we walked to the commons for the conclusive fellowship with the kids who peppered us with questions. You just have to be there to feel the moment because I can’t truly describe it.

Final preparations for the veterans breakfast began in earnest about two months ago as Diana and Kelli gathered local businesses to sponsor the breakfast.

One day Diana asked me if I had the program planned and I quickly replied, “It’s all in my head.” She then asked if our post could come in and set up tables and chairs for 300 guests. “We’ll be there,” and we were, two days before the meal. She wanted the two days to decorate the Community Center. She and Kelli did a super job.

When we arrived at the Community Center we were greeted by a host of chamber ambassadors and other dignitaries. The tables were beautifully set. The caterers were ready, the coffee was ready, servers were everywhere putting the final touches to the scene.

As veterans entered the facility, the excitement began to swell and I cannot put into words the feeling I had to see all of this come to pass. Between the last word of the previous sentence and this sentence I had to pause and sop up the moisture gathering in the corners of my eyes.

I cannot express how much I appreciated Flynn Phillips, our department adjutant, who came all the way from Beaverton to be one of guest speakers, and to Dr. Dean Hackett, who delivered another stirring speech on what we hold dear.

What a great time of fellowship and the breakfast was spot on. A big thank you to the owners of the Pheasant Bar and Grill who prepared the meal and a special thank you to the young people who bussed tables and delivered water and coffee to the guests. Thank you to the Majazzty Choir for singing the national anthem.

A special thank you to the sponsors — Sherwin Williams, UEC, the Kiwanis Club, PGE, Eastern Oregon University, Hermiston Parks and Recreation, Rogers Toyota, Burns Mortuary, and the Chamber of Commerce — who gave from their hearts and wallets.

After everything was put away I reveled in all that had taken place over the weekend. I love small town America.

Thanks for checking in and Semper Fi.