Families and Supporters Gather to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

Families and Supporters Gather to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, families and supporters came together at First Presbyterian Church in Warren, Ohio, to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of veterans. The event was organized to commemorate Veterans Day and express gratitude towards the brave men and women who have served the nation with honor, courage, and selflessness.

Mayor Doug Franklin expressed his admiration for veterans, highlighting their willingness to answer the call of duty and leave behind their homes and loved ones to serve their country. He also acknowledged the resilience and unwavering support displayed by the families of veterans, who endure long separations and face the challenges that come with military life.

The commemoration event concluded with a parade, but not before Mayor Franklin presented a proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1090, located at 611 High St. NE. The VFW post was recognized for its remarkable contributions to supporting veterans and fostering camaraderie among servicemen and women.

Herm Breuer, director of the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission, praised VFW Post 1090 for being the first veterans organization to have reached out to him upon his return from serving in Iraq in 2005. He attributed the post’s success to its ability to provide a space where veterans can find the companionship they often miss upon coming home from overseas.

Breuer acknowledged that veterans organizations face challenges in finding leadership to guide younger generations in a rapidly changing world filled with conflict and discord. However, he emphasized the importance of veterans leading by example, working together and setting aside differences to serve their communities as they did during their time in the military.

During the event, James Rapone, a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of VFW, read postcards that had been found recently at the post and organized with assistance from representatives of the Trumbull County Historical Society. These postcards, dating back to the late 1930s, expressed gratitude to the post commander for sending cigarettes, cigars, and other items to soldiers.

VFW Commander Chuck Ciapala, a Marine Corps veteran, highlighted the long-standing history of the national VFW, which was established in 1899 in Columbus, making it one of the oldest veterans organizations in the country. He praised VFW Post 1090 for its unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families throughout different conflicts and periods of peace.

Ciapala credited the post auxiliary for their remarkable contributions and emphasized that VFW Post 1090 continues to play a vital role in the community, performing various community service projects such as food drives.

As the commemoration event came to an end, the strong bond between VFW Post 1090 and the city of Warren was highlighted. Ciapala stated that the post’s history is intertwined with the fabric of the great city, symbolizing the mutual support and respect between them.

The event served as a reminder of the importance of honoring and supporting veterans and their families. It showcased the resilience and unity within the veteran community, reminding everyone of the enduring sacrifices made by these brave individuals. Through their service and the continued efforts of organizations like VFW Post 1090, veterans and their families receive the recognition and support they deserve.