A Legion Day of honor, remembrance and patriotism

The firing of a Civil War mountain howitzer replica by American Legion Auxiliary National President Mary Davis signified the start of the Department of Indiana’s second annual 5K Walk/Run for Veterans. The walk/run on Sunday kicked off the department’s Legion Day, which featured ceremonial events and free activities for Legion Family members, veterans, their families and the community.

“The department’s vision for (the headquarters) building and grounds was to be used for Hoosier veterans, their families and for the benefit of community, state and nation,” said Department of Indiana Commander James May to Legion Day attendees. “I would say today that we are making this vision a reality.”

Prior to the start of the Walk/Run for Veterans, Legion Day attendees congregated to hear from other Legion leadership, including Davis and Department of Indiana Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander Joseph Schultis and Auxiliary President Peggy Bishop.

“What a great reason that we are out here and that’s to raise awareness to help support our veterans, our active duty and their families. That is the job of The American Legion Family,” Davis said. “The job of The American Legion Auxiliary is to support our Legion Family and all that we do.”

The runners and walkers completed their route around department headquarters and finished mid-morning by gathering for a solemn ceremony to remember 9/11 and memorialize the thousands of Americans who lost their lives 15 years ago. Guests speakers for the 9/11 ceremony included Assistant Adjutant to the Indiana National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Osburn and Indiana Congresswoman Susan Brooks.

“It’s hard to believe that as we gather together right now, the attacks on the Pentagon, the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville (Pa.), the two planes that hit the World Trade Centers and the subsequent collapse of both towers had already happened,” Brooks said. “It was over. Less than two hours and 15 years ago today, our world changed forever.”

During that nationwide change, Americans came together in support and flew the U.S. flag, showing that “Americans had strength and resilience,” Brooks said. But today, “we face division; division that is not making us stronger.” Brooks emphasized to attendees that “we must renew that spirit of service and dedication to our nation. A spirit that all of you, here today, embody as veterans, as Legionnaires.”

As a Hoosier veteran and member of American Legion Post 230 in Martinsville, Ind., Osburn shared that he can “understand and truly appreciate everything that the Indiana American Legion stands for and contributes, and the dedication that they give to our Hoosiers,” he said. In response to the events that took place on Sept. 11, many believe the war is over, and has been over for some time. I can assure you the war on terrorism continues. Indiana American Legion has made it its sole mission to help these veterans who have sacrificed and dedicated themselves for a greater good.”

Osburn shared that Indiana exceeds the national average of veterans – 12 percent of the state’s population are veterans. “That says a lot of our great state and the patriotism we all as Hoosiers have,” Osburn said. “One of the greatest fears of our veterans is to be forgotten. The American Legion is one organization that works to combat our veterans fears that they haven’t been forgotten. Because of that, I would like to say thank you for giving back to all of those who have sacrificed and dedicated to preserve the American way of life.”

Before attendees enjoyed a free lunch, they walked a path in the grass lined with American flags for the groundbreaking of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame museum. The Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2013 and currently has 33 inductees with the plan to induct 15 a year. Past National Commander Jim Koutz was among the first class of veterans to be inducted in 2014; an honor he received for honorably serving his country and “contributing to community, state and/or nation.”

“We are proud to support the work they do in recognizing the sacrifices and service of our great Hoosier veterans,” May said. “We look forward to the possibility of more Legionnaires joining the ranks of the hall in the future.”

The day also was an opportunity for the department to increase and promote membership, and help veterans with VA claims. Legion Family members could turn in membership cards, Legion representation from all 11 Indiana districts were on hand to speak with veterans, and a Legion service officer was available. In 2015, the Department of Indiana successfully processed and advocated for $85 million in VA claims for Hoosier veterans.

Family activities included bounce houses for children and military displays for viewing. And representation from Indiana University’s athletic department were on site to promote the availability of two free tickets for Hoosier veterans to attend the university’s football game against Penn State on Veterans Day.

“My motto this year is, ‘Remember the past, look to the future,’” May said. “Let us remember those who have come before us and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of all of us. And let us look to the future to continue carrying the torch for our brothers and sisters in arms and their families.”