Veterans Day Salute
With today, November 11, being Veterans Day, I feel it is fitting to salute and be proud of each and every veteran who has served in the Armed Forces of our country in wartime and in more peaceful times. Wartime veterans make our country safe, and serving in peacetime keep it strong by being ready to serve wherever and whenever they are asked to go.
I am especially proud of the veterans in my family who said ‘Yes, Sir’ when asked or volunteered before being asked. My maternal grandfather, John William Eaton, served during WWI, my father, Filmore B. Canon served during WWII with Generals Eisenhower and Patton, husband Jack Ridenour enlisted during the Korean War serving stateside, brothers-in-law Thomas Neal McCormick in peacetime in Germany, Wade Douglas Ruland served in Vietnam, Dennis Knowles in Vietnam, and brother William Douglas Canon also served in Vietnam. Sons-in law Clayton Starck served in Vietnam and Jimmie Davis served in Europe. We also have four brothers, Jay Knowles, Corbett Knowles, Justin Knowles and Seth Knowles, who served in the Armed Forces in the Middle East. Some served in more than one branch of the service and some more than one tour of duty overseas.
I’m sure each of you have veterans in your life of which you are equally proud. Tell them—and pray for all the service men and women who are still in the service at home and abroad. We have two veterans of WWII living in Powder River County, Charlie Barbero and Lyman Amsden. Lyman served another stint after returning home.
I am proud to be an American, proud to support our veteran’s organization here in Broadus or anywhere our service personnel stand shoulder to shoulder to protect our great country.
My mother, Bernice Canon joined the Gillette American Legion Auxiliary in 1942, and the Post #1595 Auxiliary in Broadus when she moved to Broadus. My sisters, Cathy Ruland and Mary McCormick, and I, two daughters, Tracey Gorder and Ginger Bird, and one granddaughter, Caitlin Gorder are also members in the local Auxiliary. The local Auxiliary is one of the strongest and most active in the State according to our District Auxiliary President.
Thank you to ALL who have served in the armed Forces and those continuing to serve our country. Stay Safe.
By Pat Ridenour
Dear Editor,
Veterans Day is coming soon. It always brings to mind lots of memories of various veterans.
The vets who served in Vietnam were neighbors, high school classmates, college classmates, and co-workers when I first started teaching. Also one was a cousin.
During the years I was in college, many of the guys were returning from service or else getting shipped off to service. Most of them were aware that it was not going to be easy and pleasant.
Most of these Vietnam vets were good guys. Our campus was a welcoming place for them to start civilian life. They were good to each other and the families. The vets club was very helpful to anything the guys needed help with.
Over the years, I’ve seen our Vietnam vets raise good families, have good jobs, and support the communities they live in. They also are enjoying being grandparents and retirees.
I am very proud of our Vietnam era vets.
Pat Hanlan
Dear Editor,
I was three years old when the Korean War started. Dad’s younger brother was drafted into the army. He spent his training in California. He came home to Gillette on his leave.
My uncle did not know where he would be serving when he returned to service.
All of the family was at the railroad station to see him off. We walked across the street to the station. My uncle was walking next to my dad and me. He leaned over and picked me up. With Dad at his side, my uncle carried me up the steps to the train. At the door of the passenger car, the conductor said “hand her back soldier, the train’s moving.” My uncle handed me back to Dad.
Pat Hanlan
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