DANVILLE — Though the Hendricks County Government offices were closed Wednesday in honor of Veterans’ Day, a group of government workers, veterans, current members of the military and their family members paused Wednesday to remember the service and sacrifice of American veterans.
Hendricks County Veterans Service Officer Lori Turpin hosted a Veterans’ Day remembrance ceremony in the atrium of the Hendricks County Government Center.
Dennis Donahue, a Vietnam veteran of the Marine Corps and commander of the American Legion Post 331 in Brownsburg, was the keynote speaker.
“Most people can’t recognize a veteran walking in the mall, but we’re all around us,” he said to the gathered group of veterans and their family members. “If you know a veteran, thank them. If you don’t, seek them out.”
Donahue said it was up to the older veterans to help young veterans that are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It is our responsibility to meet them and help them get home,” he said. “Especially these young ones. They’re just kids coming home.”
Donahue said if a soldier goes away to war, their job must be there for them when they return home. Many of the younger soldiers, however, didn’t have a job before they left for war and now have to struggle to make ends meet.
“They come back and don’t have the benefits of jobs, in this economy,” he said. “I encourage anyone to seek out the young men and women. They’re well trained and disciplined.”
Adding to the gravity of this Veterans’ Day was the recent tragedy at the Fort Hood army base in Texas, when 13 members of the U.S. military were killed by one of their own.
The ceremony here included a moment of silence for the men and women who were killed in the shooting spree.
“It’s shock ... that something like that can happen at a United States military base,” Donahue said. “I think many of us are still in shock. It’s almost impossible to imagine.”
Turpin said there are many issues facing veterans, but helping support their families in the states does a lot in supporting them overseas.
“I worry about (those soldiers) in Afghanistan,” she said. “I worry that we’re deserting them and not providing them with the military support they need. It’s a dangerous place. The families back here are alone. Neighbors and friends need to support them, because it’s very hard (to have family members overseas).”
Turpin said Veterans’ Day is an important time to stop and remember veterans and to thank a soldier. Turpin is a 30-year U.S. Navy veteran and a nurse.
“I remember in ‘73 during the Vietnam era,” she said. “I remember the way they were received. I’m very thankful the country is supporting our veterans.”
Donahue said the American Legion Post 331 is hosting an open house at noon today at the post at 636 E. Main St., Brownsburg.
“It’s open to the public, and we want the public to see what it’s all about, veterans helping veterans in the community,” he said.
charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com
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Dennis Donahue, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran and commander of the American Legion Post 331 in Brownsburg, spoke at the Hendricks County Government Center during a Veterans’ Day remembrance event. Lori Turpin, Hendricks County Veterans Service Officer, looks on. CHARLEE BEASOR/FLYER PHOTO
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