Veteran’s Voice

George Pickersgill - Gibson Co. Veterans Service Officer, 812-385-4522

As we once again approach Memorial Day, I wanted to share a few thoughts about this most hallowed of U.S. holidays. Most of us are keenly aware that there is a significant difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Veteran’s Day is celebrated in November and honors all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Memorial Day, however, honors those who made the supreme sacrifice in service to our country. It is not the time to thank a vet for their service nor, contrary to popular belief, is it the kick-off of the summer BBQ season. It should be a somber remembrance of those who gave their lives in

It has become so fashionable in our culture to thank a vet for their service. While I beg you not to misconstrue my thoughts as being ungrateful, I would ask you to understand that these sentiments, void of any other action, may often feel hollow and without substance. I’m reminded of one of my dad’s favorite sayings (and there were many) …”Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot even hear what you’re saying.” I’ve come to learn as I age that there is tremendous wisdom in that statement. So, if you really want to honor veterans and our nation’s armed forces, can I encourage you to put some action to your words?

Like every year, our county’s Veterans Service Organizations (The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars) will travel around the entire county paying tribute to our fallen heroes at most all of the larger cemeteries. Can I convince you to take 15 minutes of your time and join us at a cemetery near you? The newspapers will typically publish the cemetery schedule just prior to Memorial Day each year. Likewise, these same organizations will conduct a ceremony at 11:30 am at the Courthouse Gazebo in Princeton. Please consider making this a priority and joining us for 30 minutes to honor our nation’s heroes.

At this courthouse ceremony, we plan this year to honor two very special local veterans who gave their lives in defense of our country. The first is a Korean War veteran who was killed in action and remained unaccounted for about 60 years. His grave has been improperly marked since his return to Indiana in 2012. The second is a Civil War veteran who was killed in action at the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee, and whose grave has remained unmarked to this day. It’ll be a glorious day when we can pay tribute and finally right these two wrongs. Please, I beg you, consider making this a priority and joining us. Nothing could be grander than to see a packed courthouse lawn.

Lastly I will remind you, as I often do, what a tremendous privilege it is to serve the veterans of Gibson County. Please call and tell me how I might do that.

Respectfully,

George Pickersgill

Highlights from the VFW Post 2714

In honor of National Vietnam Veteran’s Day, nearly 50 members at the VFW Post 2714 in Fort Branch served dinner by volunteers as a thank you for their service.

The kitchen crew honored the Vets with dinner.

Members of the Fort Branch Union Township Volunteer Fire Department were presented with a 12x18 foot flag for their ladder truck by members of VFW Post 2714.

From left: Ryan Resenbeck, Captain, Chad Swader, Asst. Chief, Mike Sokeland, Chief, Jim Pheiffer, House Committee, Ron Stewart, Trustee, Clyde Scott, Trustee, Eric Ross, House Committee.