Mount Vernon Veterans Day ceremony honors the sacrifices of the armed forces

MOUNT VERNON – As Taps echoed in Mount Vernon’s public square, they were all still for those who had served in the United States Armed Forces.

A steady breeze lifted several American flags during Mount Vernon’s Veterans Day service Monday, with clear skies casting shadows on flags across the square.

MTVarts Artistic Director Bruce Jacklin spoke about the legacy of service in the United States, surrounded by veterans on the crisp November day.

“As an Army engineer, I never saw combat because we (Vietnam) withdrew our troops in 1975,” Jacklin said.

“However, I still know the sacrifices, the struggle and the courage of the soldiers who experienced the battle.”

Jacklin’s family has a long line of veterans, from his grandfather who served in World War II to his father in the Korean War.

“My brother was in Vietnam, serving our country has been a longstanding tradition in our family, and one we proudly continued when my son told me he had enlisted in 2013,” Jacklin said. “I felt a different, more complex emotion than pure pride.

“As any parent would be, I was scared for my son. I was proud of the decision he made, but the fear was almost paralyzing.”

Credit: Grant Ritchey

Jacklin’s son was deployed to Iraq during high tensions in the Middle East, he said.

Not a day went by where he didn’t imagine the absolute worst.

“I thought about him right before I woke up and he was the last person on my mind when I went to bed,” Jacklin said. “I stayed awake at night wondering if he would return safely.

“However, that is only part of the sacrifice made by not only the soldiers, but also the families who selflessly and willingly support them.”

Although there have been hardships, there is hope to be found on the other side.

When Jacklin’s son returned from Iraq, he introduced the family to his wife-to-be.

“They have three beautiful, hilarious and rambunctious children whose parents only cross paths because of the time they spent in the military,” Jacklin said.

“Veterans Day is a day to honor the service and sacrifices of all living and deceased veterans and to recognize their contributions to the nation.”

This independent, local reporting from our Report for America Corps members is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Knox County Foundation And Coconut.