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Veterans Day 2013
The solemn duty became the responsibility of Jim Metzer. As each name was read, he struck the bell at Mountain View Cemetery, which broke the silence.
By the time he finished, the bell rang out a total of 11 times. Each time, it represented someone from southern Idaho who had given their life in service to their country -- eleven of the 66 Idahoans who have died in combat since 9/11.
It included a corporal from King Hill...
A sergeant from Mountain Home...
A captain from Hagerman...
A lieutenant colonel from Boise...
As the bell's last chime faded, it marked the start of a ceremony Monday morning that honored those who serve the nation in the armed forces. For those who gathered during this year's Veterans Day observance, it also marked a moment of quiet reflection.
"Veterans Day is a time to honor not just those who have fought for us in battle, but, in fact all of the outstanding men and women who have served in our nation's armed forces since our founding more than 237 years ago," said Jack Schafhausen, commander of American Legion Post 26 in Mountain Home.
While not all veterans have seen war, all of them share a common bond -- an oath and willingness to defend this nation, Schafhausen said during his opening comments at Monday's observance.
"Let us always treat our 22 million veterans as the saviors of our country that they are, even when the guns are no longer shooting," he added.
Veterans Day honors all veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good, said Col. Christopher Short, who served as the guest speaker during this year's ceremony.
"The nation owes a great debt to its veterans, whose service to the nation spans every decade, every year, every day of our country's existence," the colonel said. "Through untold courage and sacrifice, America's veterans have secured the liberty which the founding fathers sought to establish."
While most Americans consider Veterans Day as just another holiday, it has a much deeper meaning for those that have served in the U.S. armed forces, the colonel added.
"It's another day of memories that drive them to live their lives as best as they possibly can," Short said. "For our deployed troops, it is another day in harm's way. For their families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, it is another day of slow and arduous recovery."
During his speech, the colonel highlighted a rich history of heroes from the 366th Fighter Wing that served this nation with honor and distinction. Among them was Maj. Bernie Fisher, who risked his life and went beyond the call of duty to save the life of a fellow American during a battle in Vietnam.
After his fellow airman crash landed his aircraft on a battle-torn airstrip, Fisher landed his own aircraft to rescue his stranded comrade. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
"(Fisher's) profound concern for his fellow airman, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are representative of the veterans we are taking the time to thank today," Short said.
The colonel also recognized retired Col. Chester "Soapy" Walborn, who served two tours in Vietnam, including service with the 391st Fighter Squadron, which is one of two Air Force fighter squadrons stationed at the nearby Air Force base. Walborn's selfless service and dedication to this nation earned him the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star with valor and four Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry.
"He is the epitome of veterans who served during a time when it was not popular and when our nation was less appreciative to its returning heroes," Short said.
Another Gunfighter hero the colonel recognized was Staff Sgt. Jason A. Kimberling, a security forces specialist that deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On Aug. 6 of that year, the sergeant and his security forces team were called to help Afghan national police to repel a Taliban ambush on a highway checkpoint.
Sergeant Kimberling immediately returned fire at a compound being used as an improvised bunker by Taliban forces, often exposing himself to enemy fire to successfully eliminate multiple threats. He continued to fight Taliban forces at two other rally points, where his actions ended the enemy attacks with his convoy returning to base without a single casualty.
There are many other veterans out there whose own actions didn't receive this level of recognition but are no less significant, the colonel emphasized.
"They have served their country and what it stands for. For their selfless patriotism and sacrifice, we owe a great debt of gratitude," Short said.
In his closing remarks, the colonel then paid tribute to a special group of veterans that deserve recognition every day -- those who are still listed as missing in action.
"We... have an obligation to account for these missing comrades in arms," Short said. "We owe this to their families, and we owe it to future generations of Americans. But most of all, we owe it to our missing warriors."