Veterans and their families came to honor and remember their service at 11 am today at the MVCC. Veterans Day, called Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in other countries, is held on Nov. 11 because it was in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month that armistice was called in 1918, which ended World War I.
Okanogan County Sheriff Paul Budrow, who served in the Navy from 1984 to 1996, was the master of ceremonies. He passed the microphone as people spoke about their service and/or remembered their loved ones.
Army Veteran Hank Kramer told the audience it is okay to wish someone a happy Veterans Day, which is different from Memorial Day, a somber day. He spoke to veterans about the importance of knowing, and their families knowing, the location of their DD 214 form, an official record of their service and discharge that is essential to receiving veterans benefits. He said it is difficult to navigate Veterans Affairs, but once people do, they are thrilled with the benefits they receive. He recommended working with a Veterans Service Office which, in Okanogan County, is in Tonasket.
Kramer said the federal and state branches of veterans affairs are working together to open a third veterans cemetery in Washington, which will be in the Richland area. The US Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake.
Methow Valley 4H Club served lunch to veterans, BS BBQ in Carlton provided the main meal and volunteers from the Senior Center served dessert.
The Veterans Service Officer in Okanogan County is Thomas Even. He can be reached at (509) 486-2121 or [email protected].
God bless our Veterans.