A ‘Grateful Nation’ Celebrates Veterans

“Never was so much owed by so many to so few,” said Major Ian Fawks, D.O. as he quoted former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Fawks used this quotation to express appreciation to all veterans who have sacrificed to serve their country during the Veterans Tribute held at the Moberly VFW Saturday.

While Veterans Day officially falls this Thursday, November 11, Moberly chose last Saturday to honor its veterans with a parade through downtown and a luncheon reception held at Moberly VFW Post 2654.

The parade consisted primarily of vehicles filled with veterans ranging from a few in their 90’s who had served in World War II to those who are still serving in the War against Terror. The streets were lined with well-wishers and flag wavers. The Grand Marshal was Marine Staff Sgt. Trey Munson.

Mary Wolf was Master of Ceremonies at the Veterans Tribute program held at the VFW. Boy Scout Troop 98 of Cairo provided the color guard with a drum cadence by D. Michael Kroner. Gerry Hodge sang the National Anthem and Rochara Knight sang a medley of patriotic music, as well as the service medley which honors the veterans of all branches of the military.

Major Fawks was the guest speaker. He is a field surgeon with the Missouri Army National Guard, a member of the Medical Command Detachment.

Fawks explained about the contact he had with veterans as he did his medical residency and on through his medical practice. He said the overall attitude of the veterans he encountered was that of humility. He was associated with a navy WAVE, a veteran of Korea “the forgotten war” and a former soldier who had served two years in Vietnam.

“They didn’t consider themselves heroes,” said Fawks. “They did what was asked of them. I doubted if I could have done the same. Then our country was attacked on 9-11.”

Fawks said his little brother joined the Seabees.

“I could see the same quality, that respectful service to others, that I had seen with other veterans.”

Finally, he decided he could not be left behind. After discussing it with his wife of 16 years, he joined military service with the Army National Guard which allowed him to maintain his status as a civilian while also serving in the military.

Fawks deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a field surgeon and to Afghanistan in 2010 as a command Surgeon.

“I worked with trauma patients,” said Fawks. “Some of my patients were young enough to be my children which is something since I was only 39. We went out daily to face the enemy and I was honored to have done my part.”

Fawks called on another famous name from World War II to give perspective to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“George Patton said, ‘it is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who have died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

Fawks spoke of the United States as a grateful nation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

He closed by saying, “God bless the veterans. God bless their families and God bless America.”

The Moberly Area Council on the Arts sponsored the 399^th Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood Friday. The Municipal Auditorium was filled, a large number being veterans and their families, to hear “All Our Heroes” a tribute to our veterans. This program was offered free of charge.

Westran High School will provide a free breakfast to veterans Thursday morning with a program to folllow in the gymnasium. St. Pius X School will offer a musical program Thursday at 7 p.m. Photos of these veteran events can be found inside today’s issue of the Moberly Mirror. Also read the story of former Moberlyan Joshua Apel on Page _____ as he tells of his life-changing combat tour in Iraq.