Veterans Day program: Those who served honored by Senior Center and American Legion post

A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force urged those in attendance at a Veterans Day program at the North Big Horn Senior Citizens Center last Tuesday to remember and honor veterans on more than just one day.

Stuart Morthole of Lovell, who served in the Air Force from 1969 through 1989 as a member of the flight crew on B-52 bombers, was the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Day program at the Senior Center. Morthole served as a navigator and bombardier for missions over Vietnam and Cambodia during the Vietnam War.

The program was conducted by Robert Boyd Stewart American Legion Post 11, of which Morthole is a member. Commander Nicolle Laffin was the MC, and Jim Thomas served as chaplain, with the colors presented by Mike Kitchen, Tom Dillon, Tim DeFuentes and Bruce Dempster. Singers from the Bible Church provided special music with a medley of patriotic songs. Ray Messamer and David Peck played “Taps.”

Senior Center director Kim Gifford presented quilts of honor to Scott Fink, Bill Miller and Francis Moody. Recipient Paul Larson was unable to attend but was to receive his quilt at another time. All veterans in attendance were honored and asked to stand. More than 23 did so.

“Veterans Day brings us together to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who put on a military uniform to defend our nation,” Morthole told a room filled with veterans and seniors. “Your service went far beyond wearing a unique service uniform as each veteran accepted challenges that many would turn away from, faced dangers that many would flee from and carried burdens that many would simply set down. Each veteran here represents a link in a chain of dedication that has helped keep our nation strong and free.

“Military service impacts individuals in ways civilians may not understand. I know as a retired former B-52 crew member that veterans know the awesome responsibility that comes not only from working side by side but also to function as part of a team where mutual trust and support make the difference between success and failure, life and death. They understand what it means to place duty above personal comfort. As a veteran, I know that we always carry the memories of friends made and lost during our years of service. May God forever bless our missing veterans and friends.

“The freedoms we value did not appear by chance. Behind every right and liberty stands an extensive line of veterans who stepped forward to protect our freedoms.”

Morthole noted that veterans have served in multiple capacities throughout the history of the United States, protecting our nation’s freedoms and way of life.

“From the veterans of the Revolutionary War, our conflicts of expansion ocean to ocean, our Civil War and World Wars I and II to those who served in other European actions, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other conflicts, their sacrifices ripple through generations such that our families and our children grow up in safety because those veterans stood guard then and now,” he said. “Our way of life exists and continues freely because veterans protected our way of life and freedom.

“The depth of our gratitude extends far beyond this single day of recognition, Veterans Day. Each veteran’s story adds to the legacy of service that defines our nation’s character. Whether you and I served in times of war or peace, it is the actions and our dedication that helped maintain the security and freedom that we often take for granted. Veterans showed and demonstrated to us what true commitment looks like.”

The Air Force veteran emphasized that citizens should reach out to veterans who have served.

“Today offers a chance to thank you personally, but our appreciation must extend beyond words,” Morthole said. “It means continually reaching out to veterans in our communities and making sure they know their service mattered. Let this gathering at the Senior Center serve as only one reminder of our ongoing obligation to those who served. May we honor your service not just with words but through our actions and support every day of the year.”

Morthole acknowledged that veterans choose to serve their country willingly and understand the sacrifices that must be made, sacrifices made by their families, as well.

“A veteran’s dedication starts with making a choice,” he said. “Someone raises their right hand and takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution. At that moment, they accept responsibilities that will reshape their lives. They commit to placing duty above personal comfort and national security above individual plans. Military service tests people in ways they never expected. It pushes veterans beyond their perceived limits and teaches them capabilities they never knew they had.

“They directly witness our nation’s principles and the responsibility to uphold them.  Their experiences give them unique insight into both the tremendous costs and the value of freedom. The legacy of military service extends far beyond the individual veteran. Families serve alongside their military members, dealing with separations, frequent moves and the stress of knowing their loved ones may be facing danger.”

Communities like Lovell benefit from the commitment veterans make to serve as they bring that dedication of service home with them, Morthole said. And he urged those in attendance to continue to support veterans.

“Their dedication helps maintain the security that allows our society to function,” he said. “Their sacrifices make possible the freedom we exercise every day. Veterans Day reminds us to recognize and support those who carried the formidable burden of military service. Their contributions deserve more than a simple thank you. They merit our ongoing commitment to ensuring veterans receive support and opportunities they earned through their service.

“These men and women chose to serve when their nation called. Now we must choose to serve them by ensuring they receive the support and recognition they earned. Their legacy of service made our nation stronger. Our support for our veterans and their families here at home helps ensure that legacy continues to benefit future generations.”

The Veterans Day program was preceded by a school program at Lovell High School and followed by a program at Rocky Mountain Middle/High School. A Veterans Day breakfast was also held Saturday morning at the Lovell Fire Hall with students from The Point youth house serving, set up and cooked by members of the Bible Church.