Bill Shirley, former Iola mayor and retired Army, is old line military. AT THE START, Iolan Becky French sang the national anthem and a touching number at the closing.
“It bothers me,” Shirley said here Saturday morning, “when the national anthem is played and we have to ask people to stand and remove their hats.”
That wasn’t the case Saturday, though, as those gathered under a sunny sky and in balmy temperatures participated in Iola’s annual Veterans Day activities on the south side of the Allen County Courthouse lawn.
Other occurrences associated with the military have come about in ways that are compatible with protection of the nation and its inherent freedoms, Shirley said in a short and to the point presentation.
“The National Guard in many respects has taken over for the regular Army,” he noted, as well as being responsive to domestic needs.
Iola’s Guard unit was quick on the scene to help area residents cope with the devastating flood of 2007. The 891st Engineer Battalion, with its headquarters in Iola, also did its share in dealing with hostilities in the Mideast, deploying to Iraq, Shirley recalled.
Women also have taken an active role in all areas of military life, he added, noting that graduates of Iola High Tyner Apt and Christine Tholen in the Air Force and Megan Coons in the Army are actively serving and his daughters, Sara and Susan, found careers in the military.
Black balloons were released to recognize Kansans who remain missing in action, and with little breeze the balloons slowly rose in the sky and hung over downtown until well after ceremonies concluded.
Iola Elks served beans prior to a noon parade that featured local veterans, Guardsmen carrying a huge U.S. flag, Iola High’s Marching Mustangs Band and other units.
Bob Johnson may be contacted by email at [email protected].
STANDING ON TRADITION
