Township honors veterans with ceremony

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A crowd turned out on a chilly November day to honor the commitment of the American military.

Clinton Township held its Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at the American Veterans Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery.

Frank Oldani, director of family services for the cemetery, said this was Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon’s last official act at the cemetery.

“He’s a tremendous partner and we’re going to miss Bob,” Oldani said.

Cannon, whose last day as supervisor is Nov. 20, acted as master of ceremonies for the event. He spoke about the sacrifices veterans have made for their country.

“Our veterans have given us freedom, security from our enemies and the greatest nation to ever exist,” Cannon said. 

Cannon said the veterans ask for little in return.

“They don’t want to be considered special and many don’t like to be singled out,” he said. “But special they are and we should give them our support.”

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 Chaplain Leo LaLonde gave the invocation at the event. 

“Bless our veterans, these men and women of courage and valor with a deep and binding understanding of our profound gratitude,” LaLonde said. “Grant them life, joy and bounty. May their dedication and honor be remembered as a blessing from generation to generation.”

LaLonde read off the names of veterans Frank J. Orlando, Kenneth J. Swieczkowski and Walter Zaleski Sr. at the dedication portion of the ceremony.

Col. Travis L. Sept, the guest speaker, called the opportunity to offer remarks at the event “an honor and a privilege.” Sept’s current assignment is military deputy director, Integrated Logistics Support Center, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. He touched on the sacrifices those in the military and their families have made throughout generations. 

“They have fought not for glory, not for recognition, but for something greater than themselves: the preservation of our freedom and the defense of our way of life,” Sept said. “Veterans day is not just about remembering the past. It is about remembering the continuing legacy of service and sacrifice. It is a day to reaffirm our gratitude and show our respect and to pledge our continued commitment to supporting those who have served and are still serving.”

Sept said this commitment to veterans should continue when they return home.

“We must continue to work to ensure that veterans receive the care, support and opportunities they so richly deserve,” he said. “This includes not only physical and mental health care, but also education, employment and a community that embraces them as they transition from military to civilian life.”  

Sept also emphasized the importance of listening to veterans and learning from their experiences once they return home.

Later in the ceremony, Cannon touched on more current events. He said members of the military would serve again if required.

“Our nation today is under attack, as we all know, just as it has been in the past,” Cannon said. “We look at the Middle East today and know there is a large and dangerous group that wants all Americans dead and our way of life eliminated. They are just as evil, if not moreso, than Nazi Germany or Imperial Japan and every bit as vile in their intentions.”

Christina England sang the “The Star-Spangled Banner” near the start of the ceremony and capped it off with “America the Beautiful.” Bagpiper Kim Johnson played “Amazing Grace.” The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 did a 21-gun salute while taps was played. The Chapter 154 color guard placed flowers at each of the markers at the memorial.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.