The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Owner/Publisher
Stronghurst - The elderly gathered...those who could remember well, but some who only had a dim recollection of what this November 11th holiday meant as they reside in this nursing, rehab, and retirement home.
The residents were joined by sixteen high school students from Union's Psychology class who are observing various age groups of our society and are now on the far end of the spectrum, age 60 and up.
These teenagers chose to stay a little longer than usual this Tuesday to observe the reactions of this wiser generation who came in walkers, wheel chairs or were helped by staff into the beautiful Activity Room of Oak Lane Nursing facility.
They sat ready to observe this solemn occasion of honoring those who served, who fought in wars, who were wounded, and those who had died to protect the nation they loved so.
Several residents of the nursing home were veterans: Gail Babcock Ivan Carlson, Bill Cobb, James Huss, Wayne McCoy, Nell's Westfall and two Oak Lane employees - Janet Peterson and Terry Ridel.
As red, white, and blue balloons set on tables, Elizabeth Rankin, American Legion Auxiliary President invited those who could to stand and all to place a hand over their heart as the honor guards come in to place the flag.
As the flag was placed all joined in the singing of the National Anthem - the Star Spangled Banner.
Several legion and auxiliary members led in singing "Its A Grand Ole Flag", "This Is Our Country", "This Land Is My Land," and "God Bless America."
Mrs. Rankin then explained that "Our flag is folded very carefully, as it is very precious to us Americans."
As two Veterans Ralph Tatge and Dale Anderson, demonstrated the folding process, Veteran Jack Kinslow explained the meaning of each fold. Then finally, "when folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat ever reminding us of the soldiers...in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today."
American Legion Post 765 members present were: Gail Babcock, Ralph Tatge, Jimmy Cassiday, Art Kane, Jim Kettlekamp, Delbert Rankin, Gary Hicks, Ronnie VanBlair, Rex Mynatt, Jack Kinslow, John Brokaw, Richard Oge, Jim Melvin, Bill Brokaw, Dale Anderson, and Commander Gene Heap. Auxiliary were Pauline Oge, Lois Campbell, Dorothy Simpson, Mildred Anderson, Jennifer Schaley, and President Elizabeth Rankin.
Members of the Henderson County American Legion Post 765 take part in a Veterans Day Ceremony Tuesday to honor those who have served our country. Residents of Oak Lane Nursing Home and guests place their hand on their heart in respect for the posting of their beloved flag. American Legion Commander Gene Heap (right), part of the Honor Guard, is accompanied by Delbert Renkin, Gary Hicks, Ronnie VanBlair, Dale Anderson and Ralph Tatge. Others also took part in the half-hour program.
A flag folding ceremony with Ralph Tatge (left) and Dale Anderson folding the flag was given with Legion Veteran Jack Kinslow (far back) reading the meaning of each fold. Elizabeth Rankin, Auxiliary President (at Kinslow's left), organized the event with Auxiliary members assisting. Sixteen Union students of Sherrill Leath's Pschology Class were guests of the residents and observed the ceremony. Patriotic songs were led by Legion and Auxiliary members singing and Dorothy Simpson at the piano, before refreshments were served.