Program Remembers Veterans

May 28, 2008 - 15:04:29 CDT.

HONORED FOR THEIR SERVICE during a program at the National Museum of the Pacific War were veterans local residents Donna Kluckman (right), who served as a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and Lee Klein (center) who was a Marine Corps sergeant. Standard-Radio Post Photo by Cathy Collier

The crowd spilled over in the Memorial Courtyard at the National Museum of the Pacific War Monday as ceremonies offered a tribute to service men and women.

Kelly Crager, head of the oral history program at the Vietnam Center and Archive at Texas Tech University at Lubbock, spoke to the crowd of 300-400 veterans and their families and those who came to honor their sacrifice.

Crager’s talk centered on how best to say ‘thank you’ to veterans -- whether their service came in Southeast Asia, World War II, Korea or current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He talked about the contributions made by veterans that went well behind their sacrifices during the war years. He described how veterans have returned from duty to further their education, raise families, build careers and businesses to benefit their country.

He also reminded the audience of how much a simple, sincere ‘thank you’ can mean to a veteran.

Crager has authored Hell Under the Rising Sun -- Texas POWs and the Building of the Burma-Thailand Death Railway and he signed copies of his book following the program.

The public program began with an introduction by Ken Jones from the USS Colorado, followed by the posting of the colors by a unit from the National Security Agency/CSS Lackland AFB in San Antonio.

The Fredericksburg High School Band, directed by Kevin Baxter, played the National Anthem and Rex Jones from the FHS Naval Junior ROTC program led the Pledge of Allegiance. The band also played a medley of themes from the various branches of military service.

Gen. Bill Bowles, USAF (Ret.), welcomed the crowd, especially recognizing veterans who had served in any branch of the military service.

Cmdr. Paul Worley, USNR (Ret.), gave both the invocation and benediction.

Following Crager’s remarks, representatives who were placing wreaths were called to the front. Among the military units to be recognized were the 158th Regimental Combat Team (Bushmasters), the 302nd Fighter Control Squadron, the U.S. Naval Hospital Base No. 15, the 16th Combat Cargo Squadron, the Sixth Marines “Striking Force”, the American Battleship Association, the civilian internees of Japan and POWs aboard the Hell Ship Arisan Maru.

Bagpiper Ian Blackie concluded the program with “Amazing Grace” and a 21-gun salute was fired by the Lackland group. Bill Smallwood and Dr. Jim Fonder then played Taps.