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100 gather at park in honor of Veterans Day

Veterans recount what serving their country  meant to them at  Veterans Day event.

Frank Bates, 84, a WWII Army veteran and POW, pays his respects during a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday Nov. 11, 2009, at Butler County Veterans Memorial Park in Hamilton.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Frank Bates, 84, a WWII Army veteran and POW, pays his respects during a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday Nov. 11, 2009, at Butler County Veterans Memorial Park in Hamilton.

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer 10:18 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2009

HAMILTON — Frank Bates was one of thousands who marked Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, by attending a special ceremony.

He — like about 100 others in the Michael J. Colligan Lodge at the Butler County Veterans Memorial Park — gathered bright and early for fellowship, remembrance and prayer.

The 84-year-old Hamiltonian spent six months as a prisoner of war in Muehlberg, Germany, after he was captured at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The seasoned soldier stood with sailors, Marines and airmen alike during the somber program saluting armed service members past and present.

“I am here to celebrate that I am still alive,” said Bates, who is the commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. “It is a beautiful day to be alive and pay tribute.”

The program hosted by the Butler County Veterans’ Service Commission included speakers and BCVSC workers, T.J. Blevins, Tony Johnson, Charles Thurman and Patricia Imfeld, all who shared their reasons for choosing the military and memories of their service.

Robert Perry, BCVSC commissioner, reminded the crowd that while people often think about those who went into combat, who were wounded or who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, “combat does not make you a veteran. Rank does not make you a veteran.

“Those who take a oath to protect and defend this country, both foreign and domestic, are all veterans.”

The veterans had a moment of silence for the soldiers killed in a mass shooting last week at Fort Hood, Texas.

“In this war on terrorism, everyone while serving are in danger,” Perry said.

Veterans tell their stories

Four veterans with very different backgrounds spoke to those gathered Wednesday morning, Nov. 11, for a Veterans Day program at the Butler County Veterans Memorial Park.

Charles Thurman of the Butler County Veterans Service Commission, said he is a third generation veteran with his grandfather serving in Korea and father in the Vietnam War.

As a child he always heard about “the service” and knew some day he would follow the family legacy into the armed forces. Thurman chose the Army.

“It was one of the smartest things I have ever done; I formed special bonds that I still keep,” Thurman said. “I am proud to be a soldier. Happy Veterans Day.”

Patricia Imfeld, a county veterans service employee who works in the Middletown office, remembered her days in the Marine Corps from 1972-77, when females were called Women Marines.

“It was a different time,” Imfeld said, noting women were not permitted in battle or on the front lines. “We were told how to hold a .45 but never allowed to fire one. Our service was in support. We ‘freed the men to fight,’ ” said Imfeld, who added that she, too, is proud of her service and she continues to assist veterans in getting all the benefits they rightly deserve.

T.J. Blevins, a fifth-generation veteran of the Air Force, said he served so that his children could have the freedom to vote and worship as they pleased.

Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Tony Johnson said for him Veterans Day is a day of remembrance of those who did not make it back, including some of his own “battle buddies.”

“It is a great Veterans Day and I am proud to be among you,” Johnson said.

Hamilton Mayor-elect Pat Moeller and Butler County Commissioner Gregory Jolivette also attended the services an gave comments. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones was in the crowd and his department’s Pipe and Drum Corps participated, performing several selections including “Amazing Grace.”

Talawanda High School students also performed, with Kara Jones singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Kaitlin Jewett and Zachary Martin performed “Taps.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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