Kaskaskia College honored veterans at its annual Enduring Freedom Celebration this week. The program began with a free breakfast for veterans and their families and was followed by a program recognizing their service.
College President George Evans told students he hopes they take home the meaning behind the stories of sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform. He recognized World War II Veteran and the oldest living Prisoner of War in Illinois Wilbert ‘Vince’ Rolves of Beckemeyer.
College Board Chair Bill Hawley added his words of gratitude.
“I know this day and age some people have doubts about where we are going. I don’t have any doubts. This country will survive and it will survive because of men and women like you in this room. If you attend Kaskaskia College, thank a Veteran for your freedom, for your chance and opportunity to go to this school and the opportunity to live free.”
After the Beckemeyer American Legion Post performed the traditional flag folding ceremony, Evans continued the tradition of presenting the flag to a veteran in attendance for their exceptional service. The honoree this year was President Evans dad, also named George. President Evans says his father, Sergeant Evans, began his service in 1966 and was stationed within a year in Vietnam as a 19-year-old kid.
“Normally when you go to a war torn nation, your goal is to get out of there alive and focus on yourself. Within 2 months of being in country, Mr. Evans volunteered his time to an orphanage including going on a letter writing campaign to his home newspapers on the south side of Chicago in a plea for help.”
That plea for food, clothing, and other items to help the orphans spread all the way to the US Senate where his letter was read into the Congressional Record. The elder Evans was later recognized for courage displayed in February 1968 when in disregard for his own safety protected an air crew against enemy fire during a mortar attack.
The elder Evans thanked the college for the honor.
“I’m really humbled. This is for the 58,220 souls who died in Vietnam. This is the greatest country in the world. Thank you.”
Keynote speaker, State Senator Jason Plummer followed with the story of a forgotten Civil War era veterans cemetery he recently visited in Kansas. He said it provided a reminder of how under appreciated the service of veterans is to many in our society who sometimes choose to focus on music and sports stars instead of the work of everyday people.
“All these people in this room contributed to the advancement of our society and our lives and the things that we have.”
Plummer concluded veterans should be celebrated every day, not just on Veterans Day.
State Senator Jason Plummer addresses those at the Enduring Freedom Celebration at Kaskaskia College. Photo by Pat Hodges.
The Beckemeyer American Legion displays the proper way to fold the US Flag during Tuesday’s ceremony. Photo by Pat Hodges.
