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 The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passes through downtown Wapakoneta Wednesday, September 1. Staff photo/William Laney By CARLA MEYER
Staff Writer
For 45 minutes, the roar of motorcycles could be heard passing under an American flag hanging from two ladder trucks. For 45 minutes, area residents gathered in the shadow of the Auglaize County Courthouse and Wapakoneta Fire Station waved and clapped as motorcyclists rode by.
The smiles and waves turned into clapping and cheers as the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passed down Willipie Street on its way to Custenborder Field in Sidney where it was greeted by a field of American flags.
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Celebrate America: Area residents gather for musical celebration |
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Monday, 29 June 2009 |
 U.S. Army soldiers and Waynesfield resident Matthew Armentrout and Wapakoneta resident Andrew Rasmussen stand at attention as their armed forces song is played by the Wapakoneta Community Choir during the 15th annual “Celebrate America” held at the Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene. Staff photo/Krista Hayes By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
Standing up to pay their respects, local and area residents joined in unison with the Wapakoneta Community Choir in a musical celebration of America, honoring the men and women who serve and protect the United States of America.
Hosted by the Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene, the 15th annual “Celebrate America,” originally held as a private church service, returned to Wapakoneta Sunday night, bringing residents together to honor those who have fought and fallen for the country with the help of the 22-member choir.
“We feel as a community that its important to remember the principles this country was founded on,” Wapakoneta Community Choir Director Sandi Gesler said. “People need to remember that the Fourth of July is more than just parties, cookouts and family get togethers, it’s remembering why we love living in America and a time to honor those military and safety service men and women who don’t get nearly enough recognition for all they do.”
Accompanied by narration provided by Linda Johns, the 80-minute program featured a mix of patriotic, contemporary and folk songs, with songs like “Feelin’ At Home in the USA,” “I Believe in America,” “I Will Be Praying
for You,” and a “Few Good Men,” along with the crowd
favorite “Rock of Ages” included on the itinerary.
As a 15-year member of the choir, Wapakoneta resident Chris Bucher said “Celebrate America” continues to hold a close spot in her heart as a military wife and mother.
“My husband, David, is a Vietnam veteran and my son, Timothy, recently retired from the Air Force after 10 years of service and every time I sing during ‘Celebrate America,’ I can’t help but think of them and get emotional,” Bucher said. “It’s just a fantastic way to celebrate the country and all the things the military men and women do for us as well as help pray for those individuals and the well being of the United States because the country needs prayers.”
The St. Marys VFW presented the nation’s colors, with military and safety-service personnel from the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and police and fire departments from Buckland, Cridersville, Uniopolis, Wapakoneta and Waynesfield receiving a special recognition as well.
“I feel very honored that people would take the time to honor us, even though we aren’t the real heroes,” Auglaize County Sheriff Al Solomon said. “The real heroes are those who have went to war and died for our country.”
Also recognized for all he does in protecting the Wapakoneta community was Wapakoneta Police Chief Dave Webb who said he, too, felt honored to be singled out of the crowd.
“With the way times are now with everyone being so busy its nice to see that they would take the time to recognize myself and the department,” Webb said. “It’s very humbling and much appreciated.”
In attendance to present a yellow rose to a memorial dedicated to MIA’s and POW’s was Wapakoneta resident and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Todd Skaggs.
“Every year I am asked to come and present the yellow flag to the POW memorial and it’s just something that I really enjoy doing and look forward to come each June,” Skaggs said. “It’s very important and such a great honor to be recognized. Really, it’s things like this that make it all the worthwhile, people coming together to show that they really care.”
Following the program, attendees were invited to enjoy hot dogs, homemade pies and refreshments provided by the Church of Nazarene Fellowship Committee.
Attending the post celebration in the church’s parking lot was Wapakoneta resident Louise Simpko, who said she has been attending “Celebrate America” since its existence.
“Me and my husband attend the event each year and we think it’s so wonderful that the church honors the veterans, police men and those in the military who serve our country,” Simpko said. “My husband is a veteran, my nephew is in the ROTC and both my brothers-in-law also served, and I think if they were here today at the service they would think it was a terrific honor to be recognized as well.”
After serving in the U.S. Army for 11 months, Waynesfield resident Matthew Armentrout said it felt good to be back home, being honored by local and area residents for the efforts he makes in protecting the country and upholding the values of the American flag.
“This is my first year being asked to participate in the event and it feels pretty awesome,” Armentrout said. “After serving so long and being away from home you get the feeling that people forget about you until you come back home and attend an event like ‘Celebrate America’ and find out that that’s just not true.”
In speaking on the turnout of the event, Gesler said the only thing that could have made the night more perfect was if she was actually able to find a member of the Air Force to be present while their salute was sung.
“Every year we struggle to find a representative of the Air Force through family or friends,” Gesler said. “We’re always looking and we can’t miss not having them. So, if anyone knows of someone in the area, they are encouraged to come forward. This way, we’ll hopefully have a complete package next year.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 June 2009 )
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