Spring Lake honors those who Ôstand watch'

SPRING LAKE – Dozens of people gathered to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifices of veterans during Spring Lake’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday.

“From the jungles of Vietnam to the rocky steeps of Afghanistan, from Pork Chop Hill to Persian Gulf, from Bastogne to Baghdad, there were soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that have borne America’s wars and continue to stand watch,” said Eric Nilsen, quartermaster of Spring Lake Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4542.

The ceremony included four guest speakers, the laying of a wreath and the playing of taps by a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus.

Spring Lake, which borders Fort Bragg, prides itself on its devotion to veterans and their families year-round.

Nilsen expressed gratitude for veterans, and encouraged them to share their stories to educate future generations.

“It is because of their dedication and sacrifice that we celebrate Veterans Day to recognize and honor all those who have placed country above self and determined the safety and security of others is more important than their own,” he said.

Congressman Richard Hudson, whose district includes Fort Bragg, briefly spoke about the significance of America’s military. He said it is critical for communities to take care of veterans, just as Spring Lake does.
“I look around and I’m encouraged, I’m hopeful and most of all, I’m thankful,” he said.

The ceremony closed with remarks from Lt. Col. Sean Smith, commander of the 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Fort Bragg.

Smith lauded the men and women who chose to serve in the military. Unlike civilians, he said, military members are forced to miss special moments as they have chosen a path to be part of the nation’s defense.

“Today is all about the call,” he said. “It’s about the observance, the obedience to that call to say ‘yes’ when others would say ‘no.’ The men and women who responded to that call forsaking self ... going beyond just self.”