Salute to Veterans Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, a day to remember the end of World War I, which was declared a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. The holiday became Veterans Day in 1954 and is now dedicated to honoring all who have served in the United States military. On Sunday, November 6, the City of Beachwood and the Beachwood Historical Society remembered all veterans in a special ceremony at the Beachwood Cemetery, the final resting place of veterans from seven wars as far back as the Revolutionary War. The ceremony began with the Beachwood Color Guard’s taking its position, followed by Beachwood Historical Society President Rosemary Nemeth’s welcoming attendees and introducing veterans (pictured from top) Rick DeChant, George Vourlojianis, Michael Blain and Sgt. Frederick Carmicle, saying, “As we honor all veterans today, we want your voices of service to be shared and heard.” Mayor Merle S. Gorden then presented a proclamation to recognize veterans – whether here today or not – and thank them for protecting us, our city and our nation. Rick DeChant, head of the Fisher House Task Force in Cleveland, is a fourth-generation veteran who proudly shared that the Greater Cleveland Fisher House (GCFH), the Northeast Ohio affiliate of The Fisher House Foundation, plans to build two homes in University Circle adjacent to The Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. The Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes it has built on the grounds of major military hospitals and Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers, much like Ronald McDonald House. There are currently 64 Fisher Houses operating in America and three overseas, with plans to build an additional 12, including the two in Cleveland, which will have 16 suites that can accommodate up to 50 family members. GCFH's initial fundraising goal of $3 million has been met. Additional funds will be used for discounted travel, a scholarship program for children and entertainment for families. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.greaterclevelandfisherhouse.org. George Vourlojianis, a Vietnam veteran and professor of History at John Carroll University, grew up on Bryden Road and shared memories of patriotic locker-room talk in 1965, and about how those in the service continue to do extraordinary things under ordinary conditions. He said, “My world view changed when I was in the service. Everyone's life has value and all opinions matter. Helping and serving were important to me.” Vourlojianis recognizes that in many ways he came home a better person, saying he's always on time, shines his shoes and hangs up his clothes. He also talked about finding our strengths and weaknesses and how it's always a strength to try our best all the time. “On this Veterans Day, shake the hand of a veteran and say hello,” he said. Michael Blain, a Holocaust survivor who served in the Korean War, never talked about his war experiences until he received a medal and letter from the President of South Korea 50 years later. For the 60th anniversary of the war, Blain received a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Defense, “in recognition of honorable service during the Korean War in defense of democracy and freedom – and selfless sacrifice.” His best gift was the Korean War Veterans hat he received from his Jewish War Veterans Post (#14), which he wears today, that invites people to stop and thank him for his service. Blain went on to say that he was one of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Holocaust survivors who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War, none of whom were U.S. Citizens yet. After returning home, Blain became a citizen in just three years instead of the customary five. Last year, Blain participated in Honor Flight Cleveland, flying to Washington DC to pay tribute to U.S. veterans who served our country. On this Veterans Day, he talked about and saluted his former comrades-in-arms who proudly served their new country. Sgt. Major Frederick Carmicle, a military science and ROTC instructor at John Carroll University, thanked all in attendance for answering the call to duty. “You have made our armed forces the most respected in the world,” he said. “What brings us to this day is a need to serve a cause larger than one's self.” He went on to say how the service members we honor possessed courage, pride, determination and dedication to duty of protecting the country. “They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times and rose to the nation’s call to protect. “Millions of Americans have fought and died on battlefields and many more will come,” he added. “Over the years, our uniforms may have changed, weapons become more advanced, but bravery stays the same. We stand ready.” Sgt. Major Carmicle told how everyone has a breaking point and how combat will humble the strongest man. He then read a poem titled The Last Letter, published in October 2012 by James Clark Jr., which can be read at www. familyfriendpoems.com/poem/ the-last-letter. The program was concluded after Patrick Hensel (pictured opposite page) sang This is My Country and God Bless America, accompanied by Gary Gelender. Nemeth ended the program by saying, “Freedom is not free. Take time to honor the noble and brave. When you see a veteran, be sure to thank him.” Additional participants include Wolfpack Battalion ROTC from John 12 Beachwood Buzz n December 2016