Veterans Day: From Parades to Free Dinners - A Day in the Life of a Volunteer

Today, instead of joining a parade, I took part in a series of meaningful events dedicated to honoring veterans. From early morning to late afternoon, my day was packed with community service, remembrance, and a bit of relaxation. Here's a detailed look at what I did.

Early Morning: Setting Up for the Ceremony

I began my day at 7 AM when I helped put up 3x5 flags along a 3-block stretch of Main Avenue in Gresham, Oregon. This is part of a tradition to honor veterans by decorating the streets with American flags. After this, we headed to the VFW Post where we loaded a podium, flags, and chairs onto a brother's pickup truck. Thegoal was to transport these items to the Gresham Heroes Memorial for the Veterans Day ceremony.

The Ceremony

At 11 AM, we arrived at the Gresham Heroes Memorial where the ceremony was scheduled to begin. We set up the chairs and prepared the venue for the participants. The atmosphere was solemn and respectful as we waited for the event to start. Once the ceremony began, I took pictures of the participants, capturing memories of this significant day. It was a moving experience to see the community come together in honor and appreciation of those who have served our country.

Lunch and Relaxation

After the ceremony, I had a brief respite at 12 PM when I helped load the chairs, flags, and podium back into the truck. We then returned to the VFW Post and unloaded everything. The veteran's hall was a lively place with discussions about the day's events and the impact of serving our country. My wife, mother-in-law, and I took a break for lunch at Olive Garden. As a special treat, I was able to enjoy a 'free' dinner of lasagna and chicken soup, thanks to the restaurant's promotion. This was a wonderful way to end the morning and reflect on the day's experiences.

Retrieving the Flags

The day concluded at 4:30 PM when three of us met on Main Avenue to retrieve the flags that had been set out that morning. It was satisfying to see how the community had come together to contribute to this act of remembrance. As we packed up, it was clear that the effort was not only about honoring veterans but also about fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation.

Conclusion

Today, a day dedicated to Veterans Day, I had the opportunity to participate in several acts of remembrance and community service. From setting up flags to attending a Memorial Ceremony, and from lunch with a free dinner to retrieving flags at the end of the day, it was a meaningful day for everyone involved. This experience reminded me of the importance of remembering and honoring our veterans, and the impact we can have through small acts of service.

Key Takeaways

Community service is essential for maintaining and enhancing the impact of Veterans Day celebrations. Memorial ceremonies provide a space for reflection and remembrance of our veterans. The act of putting up flags is a simple yet powerful way to honor veterans and spread awareness.

In conclusion, my Veterans Day experience was a blend of hard work, reflection, and celebration. It was a day filled with significant moments that highlighted the importance of honoring our veterans and the community's role in supporting them.