Orcas Legionnaires honor this country’s veterans

Veterans who have served our nation throughout its history were honored, appropriately, on Veterans Day, which was celebrated 11-11-11 (Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.) That’s when the guns fell silent in 1918, at the end of World War I.

One who died in that war was Orcas islander Voyle B. Martin, who lost his life in France in 1917. The local legion hall is named in Martin’s memory, and his photo hangs where it can easily be seen inside the building.

Approximately 45 Orcas islanders, many of them veterans, met at the American Legion Hall to commend those who gave of themselves to keep this country free. They noted that Legionnaires come from all walks of life.

Speakers were local Legion Commander Mel Winsor, past Commander Dick Boberg, Chaplain Jim Baxter, Adjutant George Jackson, and Ladies Auxiliary member Irene O’Neill.

Boberg advised islanders, “When you see a veteran, say ‘thank you.’”

Winsor related the history of Veteran’s Day, which was originally proclaimed Armistice Day by then President Woodrow Wilson, and intended to honor the 116,000 Americans who died in World War 1. After World War II, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day, but our nation’s lawmakers also moved the date to the fourth Monday in October. Legionnaires fought the change, charging that Veterans Day would merely be treated as another vacation day. After many years of lobbying, the Nov. 11 date was restored ion 1978.

The ceremony included the singing of “God Bless America” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

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