LAURINBURG — The names and memories of 136 men and women who served in the U.S. military were on the lips and minds of those who attended the annual Veterans Day Breakfast at Scotia Village on Friday. Each of those men and women, including four who have passed away in the past 12 months, are or were residents of the facility.
“We don’t hear the words ‘thank you for your service’ very often,” said Col. Robert Nichols (retired) of the U.S. Marine Corps. in his opening remarks. “But here at Scotia Village, those who served and are serving are honored for the sacrifices they have made.”
Slightly more than 100 Scotia Village residents and visitors attended the breakfast, which included a special recognition of the nine World War II veterans who are residents there, as well as a moment of recognition for those who served in each branch of the military.
But the most special of all came during a “time of remembrance,” when roses were placed in a vase — one each for the four men who have passed away this past year, one for those who are missing in action and one for those still with us.
In addition, an explanation of “The Round Table,” which was located at the entrance of the dining hall, was given — telling the story behind why the table is round, the tablecloth white and why there was a Bible, lemon slices and a rose on the table (see the full explanation on Page 6A).
After a breakfast, those in attendance were treated to the words of Chaplain and Lt. Col. Gregg Puckett, U.S. Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, who spoke about the blessings of being an American — along with some humor.
“It’s great to be an American,” he said. “Only in America does a pizza arrive at your house faster than an ambulance; only in America are their handicapped parking spaces in front of a skating rink; only in America do hot dogs come in packages of 10 and hot dog buns in packages of eight; and only in America do we purchase a double-cheeseburger, extra-large fries and a diet drink.
“We are truly blessed here,” Puckett added.
He went on to talk about many of the nation’s accomplishments, including the fact that America sends more missionaries around the world than any other country in the world. Puckett also said that Abraham Lincoln once referred to America as “almost God’s chosen people.”
Puckett pointed out that Veterans Day will be officially observed on Sunday — God’s day — and that Sunday will also be the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
He also talked about the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, each of whom “knew the punishment, if they were captured, would be death. They gave to us a free and independent nation.”
But he added that the country’s freedoms are fragile.
“Ronald Reagan once said that ‘freedom is but one generation away from extinction,’” Puckett said. “Did you realize that less than 1 percent of Americans have or do serve in our military? We really do owe so much to so few — it is good for us to be reminded and honor those who serve this great nation.
”We may have warts and problems, but we can still thank God we are Americans,” he concluded. “As our founding fathers did, we will do well to honor our heritage and our Creator for our blessings.”
The program finished with a prayer and singing of “God Bless America.”
W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-506-3023 or [email protected].
