Residents across the region spent part of their day Thursday taking a moment out of their day to say thanks to those who have served. Ceremonies took place all across the area, including ceremonies in Delphos and Van Wert.

Check out the video: Lima News video by BOB BLAKE.

Region gives thanks to veterans

By BOB BLAKE

DELPHOS — On Thursday, it was all about saying, “Thank you.”

At services both large and small, residents across the region spent part of their Veterans Day saying thank you to those who are wearing or have worn the uniform of a soldier, sailor, Marine or airman.

“This program gives us an opportunity to show the veterans that the students of Van Wert and the community that we do really know about the sacrifices they made,” said Jennifer Trittschuh, a history teacher at Van Wert High School. “We are truly grateful for everything they have done for us.”

Trittschuh, a veteran of the Army National Guard who served in the Persian Gulf War, said the recognition means a lot to those who have served. Seeing pupils in the television production class at Van Wert High School produce a video tribute for the ceremony at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center was impressive, too, she said.

“It means a lot because when you are a veteran you are making sacrifices and being away from your family, and going places you might not want to go and doing things you might now want to do,” Trittschuh said. “It’s very nice to have the country take this day to appreciate what you’ve done for the country.”

Amid a sea of red, white and blue, several dozen people stopped at the Delphos Veterans Memorial for a remembrance filled with patriotic songs, words and emotion.

“For me, it’s almost a family tradition. As far back as the Revolutionary War members of my family have fought and died for our country,” said Jim Weeden, a Navy veteran from Delphos who served three tours in Vietnam. “It’s a little personal for me because when I got back from Vietnam the welcome wasn’t real friendly. We don’t want that to continue. This gives us an opportunity just to say thanks for the men and women in the armed forces that are making all kinds of sacrifices.”

Keith Hall, an Army veteran from Delphos, said seeing people honoring veterans at the memorial means a great deal.

“It means a lot to me. There was a lot of work that went into this memorial, a lot of generous people,” Hall said. “We feel we have the backdrop here to make this a special day and have a celebration with various events.”

Published: Nov. 12, 2010