Belleville students, retired general, Duckworth hail veterans during annual observance

Belleville observed its 26th annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday.

After a welcome from Capt. John Lawson of the Veterans Assistance Commission of St. Clair County and a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner from retired police sergeant Patti McDaniel, winners of an essay contest were invited to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in front of hundreds of veterans and their families gathered near the Public Square.

The students, encouraged by District 118 superintendent Dr. Ryan Boike, then proceeded to read their essays honoring veterans living and dead.

Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General John. E. Michel followed the essay winners and spoke on the resilience of U.S. veterans and military personnel. He told a story about a plane crew in World War II that was shot 11 times in the fuel tank, only to find out the dud ammunition was a result of a prisoner of war’s deliberate sabotage.

“The note said ‘this is all I can do for you now,’ and that is exactly what this day’s about,” Michel said.

“It’s about freedom, it’s about hope, it’s about trusting that someone always has your back. Veterans Day isn’t just a great day to reflect, it’s also a great day to celebrate young people who are the future and those who are going to march forward. It’s about the spirit of the unsinkable.”

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL), an Army veteran, next spoke on the event that resulted in her losing her leg when her helicopter was shot down in Iraq.

“They thought I was dead, and the only reason I am here today is because my buddies refused to leave me behind.”

Duckworth also highlighted the issues veterans face on the day-to-day and how Americans can help them.

“Despite the risks, despite the danger, thousands of the bravest people that you and I could ever meet still volunteer to serve in our country’s uniform every year,” Duckworth said.

“And when these heroes come home, they deserve more than just an ovation on Veterans Day itself. They deserve to be honored the other 364 days of the year, as well. They deserve access to good-paying jobs, high-quality accessible health care, affordable housing and much more.”