Mayflower Celebrates Veterans Day

Pictured above: front Row (l to r) Norman (“Timer”) McCombs; Bernie Ulm and standing (l to r) Don Schild; Ron Davis, American Legion; Ed Adkins, American Legion and VFW; Jim Ahrens; Gene McCaw; Larry Gorsuch; George Fowler, VFW; John Buck; Ed Colliton; Sandy Beyer
Don Schild, Keynote speaker and Army Vietnam War veteran
Don Schild, Keynote speaker and Army Vietnam War veteran
Jim Ahrens, Flag recipient and 32-year Army veteran
Jim Ahrens, Flag recipient and 32-year Army veteran
Ed Colliton, Air Force
Ed Colliton, Air Force

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36 Mayflower veterans and spouses of deceased veterans were honored for their military service in a program Monday, November 12th held in our Carman Center. Featured speaker was local attorney, Mayflower Trustee, and Vietnam War veteran, Don Schild. Don spoke about the impact veterans have on our country with 8% of the U.S. population currently serving. He also talked about the burdens carried by military veterans who come home with physical and mental health issues.

Veterans were introduced. After each branch of service—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard—their official song was played by pianist Dot Anderson while attendees sang along. 20 of those introduced (present or in absentia) are Mayflower independent living residents or their spouses, 16 are Mayflower healthcare (Health Center and Beebe Assisted Living) residents or their spouses.

Mayflower Harwich Terrace resident, Jim Ahrens, was presented with a folded American flag on behalf of the government of the United States by VFW representative, Ron Davis. Jim served 32 years of active duty as a Lt. Col. In the Army and a history instructor at Wentworth Military Academy, Lexington, Missouri.

The solemn service was closed by the playing of taps by American Legion representative George Fowler. Mayflower’s Activity Director, Chery Nelson, served as master of ceremonies.

 

— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director