SOLON — The annual Veterans Program of Appreciation was held last Friday in observance of Veterans Day in the Solon Center for the Arts. Mike Montgomery, a 1964 Solon HS grad, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps three months after he graduated and served one tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Montgomery delivered the keynote address focusing on how fragile our freedom is, and the price that has been paid for it.
Veterans Day, he said, is a holiday overlooked by many. But “We need to stop and think about everything we have. How did we get it? Who makes sure we keep those things that are so endeared to us? If you won’t fight for it, what you have, don’t cry if you lose it.” Veterans, he said, have stood firm against those who would take away our freedoms and liberties.
“They’re the men and women who have raised their right hand and swore an oath, and wore the uniform of their country. They’re our veterans, our heroes. They gave up part of their lives so all of us could live and enjoy all of our rights and freedoms that the Constitution describes.”
The meaning of Veterans Day can be summed up in the words of Winston Churchill, who during the Battle of Britain in 1940 said, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” in honor of the heroic efforts of the Royal Air Force as they faced overwhelming odds defending against attacks by the German Luftwaffe (air force). Montgomery added, “I say that because out of the U.S. population less than 2% were in the military.” He also cited a recent study by the Pentagon’s office of personnel and readiness, which found that out of all of the military age people in the United States, only 35% would be able to join. The rest would be disqualified due to being overweight, drug and alcohol abuse, or physical or mental health reasons.
“America is the greatest nation on Earth, and our veterans are a big part of that. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, World War One came to an end. That’s when this day was initiated, it was called Armistice Day. It was instituted to honor all veterans who selflessly contributed and sacrificed for our freedom. And not just our freedom, but freedom all over the world. I’ve been to a lot of countries that don’t have the rights we have.”
When it comes to our freedom, Montgomery urged the students. “Cherish it. Protect it. We’re just a generation away from losing it, whether you know it or not. It is in each and every one of us’ best interest to keep in mind what we’ve got and who we got it from. In times of peace and war our veterans have exemplified the values of honor, courage, and commitment. They have displayed the unwavering dedication to their fellow servicemen, their brothers and sisters in arms; and their love of their country was true.”
Adam Hopp, Commander of Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 recognized three veterans: James Stahle (70-year continuous Legion member), William Leonard (50-year continuous Legion member), and James Goldsberry (50-year continuous Legion member) during his closing remarks. “These men not only served when they were in uniform, but they continue to serve, some for quite some time.” Hopp noted veterans felt their nation was important enough to endure long separations from their families, miss the birth of their children, freeze in subzero temperatures, roast in far away deserts, lose limbs, and “far too often, lose their lives. Their families serve and sacrifice as well. Military spouses have had to endure career interruptions, frequent changes of address, and a disproportionate share of parental responsibilities. The children often have to deal with changes of school, separation from friends, and hardest of all; the uncertainty if mom or dad will come home.” Veterans Day, Hopp said, was set aside to show our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our service members and their families.
“But I encourage you to make a point every day, when you walk by somebody you think is a veteran, or you have a family member or a friend that you know is a veteran; thank them for their service. They made a commitment to have our backs without even knowing us. It’s important to show them that we’ve got there’s.”
As he wrapped up his address, Montgomery told the students, “It’s up to you to maintain this. It’s up to you to become a soldier, an activist, something to keep the spirit of this country alive because freedom isn’t free.”
Mike Montgomery, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, delivers the keynote address Friday, Nov. 10 during the annual Veterans Appreciation Program at the Solon High School.