The first remarks from American Legion Post 370 Commander Ed McCloskey involved the weather, and the perfect day ordered up for this Veterans Day, which marked the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.
Many attending last year’s celebration remembered the driving wind, the bitter cold and the slashing rain.
“For the past three-or-four years we have had some difficult weather,” McCloskey said. “Today we ordered up a very special day.”
Highlands United Methodist Church Pastor Randy Lucas led those attending the ceremony in the National Anthem as veterans saluted.
McCloskey welcomed everyone and explained a bit of American Legion history.
“On March 16, 1919, the American Legion was founded, which means we are celebrating our first 100 years as America’s largest veterans organization,” he said.
On Nov. 11 of that same year, following the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson authorized Armistice Day to recognize WWI veterans. In 1945, Armistice Day was expanded to recognize all veterans, not just veterans from WWI, McCloskey said.
“So, in 1947 we celebrated the first Veterans Day for all veterans, thanks to Raymond Weeks, known later as the “Father of Veterans Day.”
Until 1978, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October, when it was moved to Nov. 11.
“Traditionally, it is celebrated on the 11th month, the 11th day, beginning at the 11th hour, but today we are celebrating it at the 10th hour because we feel like it,” McCloskey said.
Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor told a story about how it was his dream to become a famous painter and paint these great portraits for the world to see.
“But the United States Army had something else to say about that,” he said.
Following a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Taylor’s painting days were behind him, but he still held on to this idea of a controversial painting he wanted to do involving United States service men and women.
“ I would paint a line of men and women from all branches of the military but throughout the painting, red targets would be painted across their chests because around the world, there are many who do not like the United States or its military,” Taylor said. “My purpose for the painting that any man or woman than dons the uniform of the United States military essentially becomes a target.”
McCloskey said there has been a Highlands American Legion Post 370 since 1946 and many of the post’s current members were in attendance on Monday morning.
He also wished the United States Marines, of which McCloskey is a member, a Happy 244th Birthday, which was observed on Nov. 10
“Semper Fi – Oorah,” McCloskey said.
McCloskey said it didn’t matter the branch of service, the common thread that united them all as “those who dared to serve.”
“We pause today to salute all those who have made the choice to serve together,” he said. “From basic training to combat missions, the trials and triumphs we experience together forge unique ties that last a lifetime.”
McCloskey added, “These ordinary Americans were asked to do extraordinary things.”
A total of 18 new bricks, honoring members of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, had been laid and added to the Honor Walk bringing the total to 250 memorial bricks along the walk.
“There is space for a total of 1,000 bricks along the walk, so order today to memorialize your veteran family and friends from the Highlands, Cashiers and Scaly Mountain areas,” he said.
The next brick ceremony will occur on Memorial Day, 2020.
