Veteran's Day 2001 - a time to remember

It's Veteran's Day 2001.

For the first time in as long as I can remember, the parade in downtown St. Johns won't be following the traditional 11-11-11 sequence.

Postponing the parade here until this afternoon is certainly appropriate - and, unfortunately, not that many people will notice. Unlike the Memorial Day parade that usually draws a pretty good crowd, Old Glory waving proudly in the cold wind of November 11 doesn't get much attention.

That's sad.

Personally, I prefer the Veteran's Day marchers and spectators to those who line Clinton Avenue in the spring of the year. Maybe it's my imagination, or maybe it's simply because there are fewer people, but the parade on 11-11-11 feels more solemn - more respectful and in tune with what we should be honoring.

The sight of the Honor Guard followed closely by the neat rows of veterans never fails to bring a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.

Why not take some time this afternoon - you'll see what I mean.

* * * * * * *

Today is also the final time in 2001 for an equally emotional experience. The Avenue of Flags is on display at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns from dawn to dusk.

Dave Miller and his crew of volunteers will be out in force putting up the hundreds of American flags that line the cemetery driveways. Like the parade marchers, seeing those flying colors captures the true spirit of Veteran's Day.

One final Veteran's Day note.

Gordon Shipley stopped by the office this week to provide some updated information on Clinton County residents who gave their life in the Vietnam War. Readers may recall that Gordon gathered the data on the 15 veterans which we printed in a special article this past Memorial Day. In re-checking that information, Gordon discovered that corrections needed to be made on the listing for several of his compatriots.

John A. Sickles began his tour of duty in Vietnam Jan. 10, 1967 - not June 10, 1967 as had been noted. A 1965 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, SP4 Sickles died June 16, 1967, in Hua Nghia, South Vietnam. He was 19.

John F. Ruiz was born Aug. 19 - not Aug. 17 - 1947. The graduate of DeWitt High School began his tour of duty April 27, 1967. He died Jan. 29, 1968, in Binh Duong, South Vietnam. He was 20.

Robert J. Thelen graduated from Divine Word Seminary High School in Illinois - not Pewamo-Westphalia High School. He was a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic School in Westphalia. SP5 Thelen began his tour of duty July 2, 1970. He died Feb. 21, 1971, in Binh Dihn, South Vietnam. He was 20.

Given the dedication today of the Michigan Vietnam Monument, it is fitting for us at this time to reprint information on the remaining 12 veterans from Clinton County who paid the ultimate price in Southeast Asia.

PFC James P. LaClear, 1965 graduate of Bath High School. The first casualty from Clinton County, he died May 12, 1966 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 19.

PFC Rocky R. Snyder, graduate of Fulton High School. He died March 30, 1967 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 18.

PFC Ronald J. Fitch, 1965 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns. He died April 5, 1967 in Thua Thien, South Vietnam. He was 20.

PFC James W. Peltier, 1965 graduate of Bath High School. Tour of duty began Dec. 24, 1966; died April 8, 1967, South Vietnam. He was 19.

WO William C. Wentzel, 1964 graduate of Bath High School. Tour of duty began Sept. 3, 1967; died Sept. 21, 1967, South Vietnam. He was 21.

HM3 Bernard J. Newhouse, 1964 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. Died April 21, 1968 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was 21.

SP4 Duane A. Downing, 1967 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. Tour of duty began June 23, 1968; died Feb. 23, 1969 in Quang Ngai, South Vietnam. He was 20.

PFC Benny D. Sloat, 1969 graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School. Tour of duty began Jan. 13, 1970; died March 19, 1970 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 18.

SGT Brent R. Law, 1968 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. Tour of duty began Jan. 7, 1970; died July 21, 1970 in Thua Thien, South Vietnam. He was 20.

SGT Richard D. Randolph, 1968 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. Tour of duty began Oct. 15, 1970; died Feb. 1, 1971 in Binh Dinh, South Vietnam. He was 20.

SP4 William B. Beardsley, graduate of Bath High School. Tour of duty began July 6, 1970; died March 20, 1971 in Kein Giang, South Vietnam. He was 21.

CPL Michael W. Maybee of Fowler - the last casualty from Clinton County. Tour of duty began Aug. 13, 1971; died Nov. 28, 1971 in Thua Thien, South Vietnam. He was 25.