With Veterans’ Day falling on a Saturday this year, veterans will have a few opportunities to join in on special lunches and programs.
Pete Rust, Green River Mayor and veteran, said historically, taking care of one’s country and the values of that country is something that should be celebrated.
“To celebrate that basic value, just seems to me, (is) very, very important to share that,” he said. “It just brings us all together.”
Rust said Veterans’ Day is about the value this country has on its freedom and what this country’s armed forces do to defend it. Those who served this country and who are currently serving due so the ensure Americans still have the freedoms they enjoy every day. They need to know their sacrifice hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I hope that they feel appreciated for the sacrifice that they made,” Rust said. “We owe them a great deal of gratitude.”
Sometimes Rust said he gets the impression that Vietnam veterans still struggle with the way they were treated when they returned from war. Over the years, times have changed and he’s hoping those struggles will lessen with time.
“I would hope they could get over it,” Rust said. “They should feel honored. They should feel proud.”
Rust served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany for 15 months. He helped process troops going back to the U.S. During this time, the soldiers lived in tent cities.
One thing Rust recalled was when he went back to the U.S. things were much different.
He missed out on simple things such as popular songs or shows and styles while he was in Germany.
“It wasn’t bad, it was just different,” Rust said about his experience in Germany.
All current military members, veterans and residents are welcome to attend the following lunches and programs.
* The Golden Hour Senior Center will be serving a free lunch to all veterans on Thursday at 11 a.m. This meal will consist of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy coleslaw, green beans, dinner roll, cake and a beverage.
* The students of Monroe Intermediate School will be hosting a special Veterans’ Day program Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Lincoln School Auditorium. The MIS choir and LMS band will perform. Guest speakers also attend the event.
* A veteran’s freedom run will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday at the American Legion Tom Whitmore Post 28. This fundraiser will support and benefit local veterans during the holidays. It is a 10k, 5k, and 1-mile run/walk and medals will be given for first, second and third place in each age group. The veterans will be escorted by Green River Girl Scouts for the 1-mile walk and receive a free T-shirt upon registration. The American Legion Post 28 color guard will lead the 1-mile escort. The Green River High School band will play at the finish line with the Green River Fire Department giving a presentation of the American flag. Green River Boy Scouts will direct runners onto the 10k and 5k courses.
* 242 United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball Celebration will take place Saturday at 5 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Rock Springs. The cost is $35 per person for the dinner and tickets are available at both the Green River and Rock Springs chambers of commerce and the Green river American Legion.
The evening will include a charity auction, gift certificate raffle and gun safe raffle.
Guest speaker United States Marine Corps Navajo code talker Samuel T. Holiday is scheduled to attend the event. All money raised will go to charities. Formal attire and military dress is requested.
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