A thank you to veterans
Weather moves Memorial Day ceremony indoors
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| Bill Barrett photo -- Elmer Daprin and Kurt Hollrah set up the U.S. Marines wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Warrenton VFW Hall. |
 
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So she and her husband brought their four children to the Memorial Day ceremony at the Warrenton VFW Hall so the family could do just that.
"We came out just to say 'thank you' to everyone who served," said Yost, as her daughter, Emilie, shyly peeked out from behind her. "Without them, we wouldn't be free."Other families had the same idea, such as the grandparents of Eric Hampson.
The 4-year-old is just starting to understand what a soldier is, and he recites the Pledge of Allegiance each morning at preschool. So his grandparents, Dan and Donna Hampson, thought the time was right to give him another opportunity to develop his sense of patriotism.
He enjoyed the ceremony and afterward, scampered excitedly around the VFW Hall waving a small American flag.
Tony Houston, of Sons of the Legion, was slated as the event's speaker. However, Houston fell on his way to the podium and was taken to the hospital.
Russell Brockfeld of the Warrenton VFW filled in for Houston. He emphasized during his speech that it's a citizen's duty to show appreciation to those who sacrificed for freedom.
"Thanks again," Brockfeld said to the standing-room-only crowd, which included many veterans and their families. "And remember: Never give in; never give up our freedom."
Micah Johnson, 16, was among Boy Scouts who participated in the ceremony. He was proud to have a role in the event.
"I'm honored to be able to show up here with all the heroes," Micah said.
The ceremony was supposed to take place in front of the Veterans Memorial Monument outside the Warren County Courthouse. But impending rain caused organizers to move it indoors to the VFW Hall. The change of venue wasn't a big deal, Micah said.
"We moved here; it's just as well," he said.
Welton Woods, who served in the Air Force during the Korean War era, emerged after the ceremony bearing a miniature American flag. Although Woods hasn't regularly attended such events in the past, this one made an impression that he said will influence his future plans.
"It was so good, I'll be sure to come from now on," he said.
