Veterans Day Looks a Little Different This Year

Ret. U.S. Army Ranger, Colonel Wayne Kirkpatrick presents a wreath at the foot of the veterans memorial located at Woodstock Harley Davidson.

Veterans Day reminds us to thank those who have served their nation. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 served as a way to honor the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. After WWII and the Korean War, in 1954, the day became known as Veterans Day, and, since 1978, the holiday has been celebrated every November 11. 

Veterans Day looks so very different this year. I am used to photographing and covering events across the area – but schools are not in session, social distancing has hampered the usual gatherings, and veterans are feeling that something is missing.  I’ve been telling my friends that, this year, we need to make Veterans Day personal. We need to do something out of the ordinary. We need to go above and beyond and reach out to those individuals, because we will not be gathering with them all at once as we are so accustomed to. 

I’ve been blessed to be able to share stories of veterans time and time again. I’ve interviewed reluctant sharers, and I’ve interviewed oversharers. Never once have I felt my work has been in vain. Every veteran’s story deserves to be told. 

This year, Honor Flight Chicago chose to honor veterans who are on the waiting list to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. with yard signs.  It was the organization’s way of honoring them, despite the COVID crisis. I had the great honor of being able to follow their team captain around The Woodstock Independent's coverage area and photograph these veterans – all Vietnam veterans. 

They were proud and thankful to be the recipients of these yard signs, and I was honored to have shared some of their stories with our readers. You can read the Woodstock Independent story here.

I also was privileged to be able to take photos at a private Rolling Thunder ceremony at Woodstock Harley-Davidson. Veterans Day takes a somber tone when you think about those who have not returned home and whose whereabouts are not known. 

This dedicated crew of men and women – not all motorcyclists – assist with repatriation of remains as well as with veteran funerals. They raise funds to keep civilians aware of the fact that we have over 80,000 Americans missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and other conflicts. 

I am always thankful when I see Rolling Thunder, clad in black. I know the veterans they are serving -- along with their families -- are in good hands with RT. The dignity with which the non-profit organization handles the most challenging of circumstances is humbling, but their dedication to their country and to those who serve is inspiring.

To you, veterans, I am so thankful for your service to our country, for your commitment to freedom, and for your immense sacrifice. Every Vietnam veteran I spoke with for my article talked about his return home. It wasn’t great. It breaks my heart each and every time they share these stories. “Welcome home. And thank you.”

And to all of our veterans –  so many of you have touched my life in so many ways. Thank you for being models of integrity for my children, for teaching them the importance of patriotism, and for giving them a respect for a position that requires fearless sacrifice.

Happy Veterans Day to all veterans, and, thank you.

MIA/POWs who have been repatriated by Rolling Thunder Chapter 2

Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 flag display.

Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 presented pins and dog tags to veterans on Veterans Day at Woodstock Harley-Davidson.

Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 works tirelessly to educate civilians about the vast numbers of POW/MIAs still being actively searched for -- over 80,000.

The Woodstock Harley-Davidson proudly honors veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star men and women.

Bugler Tom Poznanski plays Taps during the Rolling Thunder Veterans Day Program at WHD.

U.S.A.F. Lt. Colonel Fred Strauss fires his weapon during the 21-gun salute at the Woodstock VFW Post 5040 Veterans Day event. Lt. Col. Strauss flew A-37s

U.S. Army veteran John Widmayer plays the Taps for the VFW Post 5040 on Veterans Day at 11:11 a.m. Widmayer served with the Big Red One Boarder Unit.