Ashland’s American Legion Post 88 Honors Those Who Answered the Call
ASHLAND, Ohio — The Ashland Veterans Honor Guard fired a rifle salute on Claremont Avenue in front of the American Legion hall Wednesday morning, followed by “Taps,” as Harry Higgins Post 88 closed its Veterans Day service honoring generations of Americans who stepped forward to serve.
Inside the Claremont Avenue hall, Post 88 Commander David Abbruzzese opened his remarks with a question for the veterans, families and neighbors gathered there.
“What does it mean to serve your country?”
Abbruzzese, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1991 to 1999 with the 375th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base, spoke of the oath that connects veterans across generations and assignments. Some served in combat, at sea or in the skies, he said. Others served on bases, in hospitals and in roles that kept the military running.
He asked those gathered to think about what service demanded of veterans and their families. He recalled Thanksgiving dinners missed, Christmases spent thousands of miles from home, and birthdays and anniversaries marked from afar. He also thanked the parents, spouses and children who waited and worried while their loved ones served.
“Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice,” Abbruzzese said. “And thank you for being willing to go when your country called you.”
Abbruzzese spoke about veterans who returned home carrying grief and memories they found difficult to share. He urged people to call a veteran they know, invite them to lunch and take the time to listen. To those who came home without the welcome they deserved, he offered a simple message.
“Welcome home. We’re grateful you served.”
The Nov. 11 observance traces its roots to the armistice that ended the fighting in World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans. Post 88 also paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service and recognized the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces today.
Post 88 Chaplain Don Earlenbaugh delivered the invocation and benediction. Those gathered recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jane Roland sang the national anthem. The American Legion Auxiliary prepared and served food.
Before the gathering moved outside for the rifle salute and “Taps,” Abbruzzese thanked veterans for standing beside their fellow service members and encouraged them to keep serving their communities by mentoring others and passing on what they learned.
“And above all,” he said, “thank you for answering the call.”
