A time for grace

MONTROSE — The Armed Forces Day commemorations concluded Saturday with a flyover of veteran aircraft, including the “missing man” tribute while the closing notes of Taps were played.

The feeling at Cerise Park among veterans, their families, and people wanting to pay tribute seemed one of both pride and humility. An ideal spring day, filled with warm sunshine on the open field and filtering through the trees, provided the setting for a gathering of generations.

Children played, parents were thoughtful; veterans, many in uniform accepted the thanks of strangers for their service and sacrifice. And the look in the eyes of older veterans seemed to express the hope that the children would never have to see what they have seen.

Children found the Huey helicopter fascinating as parents helped them climb in and out. Music from the University of Northern Colorado Trumpet Ensemble and the solo songs performed by Charissa Glazner was moving and beautiful.

Dignitaries thanked the many people responsible for bringing the Moving Wall to Montrose again after 22 years, and motorcyclists gathered around the perimeter in riding gear, quietly proud to watch over the proceedings in their unique way.

Families sat together on the lawn, pigeons were released, and a three-volley rifle salute was presented by the Delta High School army junior ROTC.

Lt. Gen. Bruce Fister, USAF (Ret.) presented the main address to a gathering of 1,500 plus visitors in which he recounted the history of the Vietnam war. In his reflections on fallen comrades, he told of the difficulty of flying caskets containing the remains of fellow soldiers back to the U.S. in his C-130, as well as recounting challenges and successes along with the frustrations of the war.

He concluded his comments with an acknowledgment that the Vietnam War produced much sadness. “But what was not sad was the valor of the men and women who served...We remember them and their families,” Fister said. Those who served, gave their lives, and particularly their families, Fister honored as those he considered “the true heroes.”

A pair of “Marine Moms,” Julie Dominguez and Julie Whiting who came to the event from Grand Junction and Palisade introduced themselves, proud of their sons, serving in Iraq and in basic training at Camp Pendleton respectively.

Recent Montrose graduate Lauren Cooling, now a student at UNC, said the ceremonies were “very beautiful. It is an emotional day, especially for families. It is a special treat for people to be able to see this.”

Donnie Cooling added, “It is a fitting tribute to veterans and a good opportunity to honor them.”

A special tribute to the service of Native Americans in the military was offered by Roland McCook. Making it clear that he was not a veteran, he wanted to honor the memory of his brother Stanford, who when he enlisted said simply, “I want to be a Marine.” He served in Vietnam as a “tunnel rat,” searching out the enemy in the most difficult of environments.

McCook told of his brother’s return home with an injury that took his arm and would soon take his life, and of his proud announcement to their father that he had become a true Marine warrior, shortly before his death at 20 years of age. A pair of Sioux songs were performed to honor Stanford McCook and all who serve, songs emblematic of courage.

Dick Manhart announced the flyovers at the conclusion of the Armed Forces Day ceremonies with the observation that the roar of the veteran aircraft was “the sound of freedom.”

It was a good day.