South Lake Tahoe honors veterans

I'm proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,

Who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up next to you,
And defend Her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt,
I love this land, God Bless the U.S.A.

The words of Lee Greenwood echoed through the American Legion Post 795 during a ceremony Wednesday to commemorate veterans of all conflicts. The post was overflowing with veterans and other community members who gathered to honor those that served in war, and those that gave their life defending American and preserving her heritage.

"I think that song says it all," said Post Commander Matt Panks.

He led the ceremony that had prayers, songs and speeches from Supervisor Sue Novasel and Mayor Hal Cole as well as the Legion Chaplain, and Ladies Auxiliary President and Chaplain.

Students from Sierra House Elementary drew pictures and sent them to the Legion in honor of the holiday.

Once known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day celebrates the day the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. In 1971 the government voted the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, and Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Then, in 1978, it was changed back to November 11.

There are 21.8 million veterans currently alive, 10% of them women according to the U.S. Census. Ceremonies such as the one in South Lake Tahoe are held to honor each and every one of them.

"Thank you veterans," said County Supervisor Sue Novasel. "You have gone above your duty to answer the call of your country."

Cole, who said he was addressing those gathered for the ceremony for perhaps the last time (his term as Mayor ends in December), spoke of his 93 year-old father who went into the service as a teenager, like so many do.

"Cherish what you fought for," said Cole. "War is Hell."

Local Veteran Kenny Curtzwiler brought a display to the event that featured the flags from his two veteran children that passed away, and plaques with the names of four locals who were born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, served in war but died after their tours were over.

"They are the forgotten ones who didn't die in the line of duty," said Curtzwiler. His son STG3 Kaleb Curtzwiler died at the age of 28. After suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he committed suicide on August 9, 2010. His daughter, SFC Miranda McElhiney was in the Nevada National Guard and died in the IHOP shooting in Carson City on September 6, 2011. The other plaques were for CMCN Richard Jacobs, Jr who died of a brain aneurysm on June 28, 2009, and for SPC Garrett Fant who died on Sept. 26, 2011. Fant was the only one of the four who died while in active duty.

"All gave some, some gave all," said Commander Panks.

I thank my lucky stars,
To be living here today.
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
And they can't take that away.