What does Veterans Day mean to you? Responses from some of Groton’s vets

Frank Heine, commander of the Groton American Legion Carrington-Fuller Post 800, is a United States Army veteran, Specialist 5 (E-5), who served from 1969 to 1971. As the leader of such a prominent organization in our community, he defined what Veterans Day means when he said, “We honor our fallen comrades on Memorial Day and our active-duty men and women on Armed Forces Day, but on Veterans Day we honor those who put their lives at risk in service to their country, and then returned to their civilian lives.”

Heine also said, “I think Veterans Day is a time to reflect on and appreciate the sacrifices made by so many of our fellow citizens in defense of our way of life. Some went voluntarily while others didn’t, but we all answered the call and performed our duties to the best of our abilities.”

In honor of all for whom the day was established,  some other local veterans were asked what it means to them. Their answers were varied, yet similar.

Chuck Hendrickson, from the 2nd Recon Battalion of the Marine Corps, served from 1991 to 1995. He said, “When I joined the Marines, I thought I had nothing going for me, and when I got the title of ‘Marine’, I felt like I was part of something big. I never drank or got into trouble because I felt I didn’t want to dishonor the legacy of millions of people who died for this country. I feel Veterans Day is about remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and didn’t come home — not about me getting any recognition.”

R. Charlton (Charlie) Wright was a seaman in the United States Navy, serving from 1965 to 1968 in what he called the “Gator Navy” because they served on a landing ship tank. He said, “The day is a reminder of all the sacrifices military men and women made for our country.”

“Many made the ultimate sacrifice, and they should never be forgotten,” Wright added. “I also think of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., and the traveling wall, that list those who died during that conflict. I think everyone should see it — it’s very emotional. Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the past and pray that the future continues to be bright with our freedoms intact ahead of us. It also reminds me, looking back, of the friends I met on board ship, and I wonder where they are today.”

Another Army veteran, Art Webb, served from 2008 to 2012 in the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. He sees the day as an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to those men and women in our community who have served, as well as those who still are serving our country.

“The United States has always been, and always will be, the greatest country on the face of this earth,” Webb said. “The foundation for this greatness has always been the willingness of free men and women to fight, and if need be, die, in defiance of evil. Whether to shake off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain, end slavery, stop the advance of the Nazis and later the spread of communism or to take the fight to the cowardly terrorists around the world, our soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors answer the call.”

Although Webb recognizes the day as one for living veterans, as a co-owner of Zirbel Funeral Home and Central New York Cremation Service and an Iraq War veteran himself, he also recognizes the importance of remembering that when a veteran passes away, the world loses someone who values integrity, duty, loyalty and selflessness above all else.

“I pray that God makes those men and women still serving today steadfast and courageous in the face of our enemies, that He blesses those who are no longer serving and that He will bring peace and comfort to the families of the veterans who passed away this year as they face their first Veterans Day and holiday season without their loved one here,” were Webb’s heartfelt words.

Wright added that Veterans Day causes him to think about his father, Joseph Wright, who passed away in 1995 but was a captain in the Army from 1942 to 1945 in the South Pacific, and that had Joseph not lived through that, Charlie might not have had a father.

One of Charlie’s most prized possessions is a letter that Joseph wrote to him just after Charlie was born on October 10, 1944 — penned from Oahu, HI Oct. 31, 1944. It was a poignant and touching declaration of Joseph’s love for Charlie — the son whose birth he had not been there to see, and whom he hoped and prayed he would get to see and raise. Thankfully for both of them, he did.

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

Thanksgiving pies and baked goods

The Groton Assembly of God Women’s Ministries will hold its annual Thanksgiving pie and bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 in the church foyer, 701 S. Main St.

Many varieties will be available, at $10 for an eight-inch pie and $15 each for nine-inch pies. Sweet bread will also be on hand at $5 each, as well as cheesecakes for $20 each.

Community brick garden

Just a reminder that the village of Groton is offering an opportunity to buy bricks for a community brick garden outside of the new municipal building on Main Street. A 4-by-8 inch brick with up to three lines of text may be purchased for $100. Proceeds from the sale of the bricks will go directly to the Groton Fire Department. Contact the village office at 607-898-3966 for more information.

Dance for fun and fitness

Groton Recreation offers “fun and fitness” dance classes from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays beginning Nov. 18 through Dec. 9. The $20 class will cover beginning soft-shoe tap, ballet and stretching for increased flexibility and mobility. Visit grotonnyrecreation.com to register.