Veterans Memorial Vigil a Success

 Two students leaving campus for the day began sharing details of their family members who had served in the Unites States armed forces. Their reminiscent stories were in stark contrast to the somber feeling earlier, when entering the LBCC Veterans Day Memorial Vigil.

At least one hundred people were gathered at the introduction of the first annual Veterans Day Memorial Vigil on May 25th, and many others trickled in.

The Veterans Club at LBCC planned the event, along with several community members. Hundreds of tiny flags were placed around the grassy areas behind the vigil to honor the American flag, and also many POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action) flags.

 Lewis Franklin, the club's faculty advisor, commented, "If it wasn't raining, it wouldn't feel like Oregon, with wet flags everywhere." Audience members chuckled, because Memorial Day in Oregon has become synonymous with light rain showers.

Franklin read a section of the Gettysburg Address, reminding Americans to honor the sacrifices made, and to carry out their mission to the best of our ability.

Event organizers repeated that, while important to recognize and thank all veterans on Memorial Day, the most important ones to remember are those who sacrificed their lives or underwent trauma (whether physical or psychological) in time of war.

 Representing those whom have made the ultimate sacrifice, was the authentic Soldier’s Cross . Club member Bill Stanley invited all attendees to honor fallen service members, only after Ronald Naasko, a disabled Vietnam Veteran, had his chance. He tightened his wheelchair gloves and made the somber trip over to the ceremonial focal point. All present allowed Naasko the honor, and a line formed for those remaining to go pay respects.

At a few points in the ceremonial vigil, bagpiper Rob MacLean filled the courtyard with beautiful music. He is a member of SAM (Scottish American Military), with the Oregon State Defense Force, which is also referred to as Northwest ScotsGuard.

Officer Alexander has been serving as a public safety officer at LBCC for around four years. She was honored that her scheduled work day just happened to fall on the day of the event. She has had a few family members serve in combat, including her step-father Joseph (who served in the Korean War, at the 38^th parallel, and her Uncle Buddy served in “The Bloody Bucket.”

Alexander explained that there were several other LBCC public safety officers that would have also loved the opportunity to stand watch at this event, especially those whom are veterans themselves.

Ultimately, Alexander said the event was about honoring the bravery of sacrifice, and “no matter what you think about war, you have to respect that.” She also mentioned “The yoga mat incident,” which happened just over four years ago. A yoga mat was inside of a student's coat and mistaken for a firearm, and the entire campus was on lock-down.

Bruce Thompson (LBCC public safety official) and the rest of the department took that event into heavy consideration, when agreeing to allow a viable firearm on campus.  No ammunition was permitted. LBCC administrative rules detail that firearms are banned from even being in a vehicle in the parking lots on campus, so authorities had to be informed, and given express permission on all levels, to allow the firearm in the Soldier’s Cross.

Thompson stated that “a difference of opinions” on having guns on campus (and the bigger picture of war itself) was an issue to consider, when allowing the Memorial’s focal point. He said it was important to be sensitive and respectful to all, but most important on May 25^th, was to honor brave and faithful service members.

While the weather did not fully cooperate, the vigil was carried out as planned, and only took one fourth of the time scheduled. If you would like to be involved in the planning of next year’s vigil, the LBCC Veteran’s Club invites you to join them at their Thursday meetings at the fireside room on campus, at 4:30 PM. As is evident by the turnout at the vigil, veterans (and their supporters) have a strong presence here, and the club would like to provide whatever is necessary to facilitate that support.

Veterans Club Meetings
Where: LBCC Fireside Room
When: Every Thursday at 4:30PM
Who: Anyone with an interest in the veteran community

 Contact: Lewis Franklin frankll@linnbenton.edu