South Lake Tahoe honors veterans at American Legion ceremony

Each of us is better today thanks to a veteran. These were the opening words of the annual Veterans Day observance at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday.

"Today we honor all veterans as we do in times of peace and in times of war," said Mayor Wendy David. "Sadly the Great War wasn't the war to end all wars.

"To our vets, thanks will never be enough," she added.

Dozens of people were at the Legion to honor the veterans on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Girls Scouts from Troop 384, the troop sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, handed out flags to the crowd. Davin Kangas sang and speakers highlighted the significance of the day, a celebration of the Armistice with Germany marking the end of the war on 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades was honored during the ceremony, something that was started at the end of the Vietnam War.

The POW/MIA table was set as thousands of others are set across the country during military events. Every part of the table setting is significant:

The POW/MIA table is smaller than the others, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. This table is separate from the others and can be set for one to four place settings to represent each service participating in the event.

The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.

The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.

The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.

The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.

The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.

The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.

The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.

The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.

The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.

Also at the Veterans Day ceremony was long time local Martin Hollay who was born in Hungary in 1920. The almost 98-year-old was actually on the other side in World War II and spent one year in an American prison camp in France. Hollay has been a resident of South Lake Tahoe since 1958.

Besides David, speakers were Commander Matt Panks, Chaplain Curt Emrie and Bob St. Angelo from the American Legion, and Carol Olivas and Natalie Johnson from the Auxiliary.

Volunteers placed 577 flags on the graves of veterans at Happy Homestead Cemetery. They will remain there all week.