Rain doesn't dampen Veterans' Day celebration

A crowd of about 100 civilians, Air Force and Army ROTC cadets, as well as veterans, showed up at Hawley Armory through the rain to witness a Veterans Day ceremony for all major branches of the military. Observers at the event gathered in remembrance and recognition of military service men from past to present. The crowd joined people dressed in colonial clothing who represented the original 19th Connecticut Regiment with Army and Air Force ROTC cadets and military veterans who were also present at the event. After the military representatives of each major military branch marched to the center of the crowd and posted each of their respective flag colors, the crowd stood to a clarinet rendition of the National Anthem. The first speaker at the event was current Army 1st Lt. Lorren Pogson, who had served in the recent conflict in Iraq. Pogson, a Farmington native who graduated from UConn in 2001 spoke about her military training in "Chemical Corps" before she was stationed in Kuwait. She jokingly confessed that she was more used to driving around Iraq in a convoy than to speaking in front of a big crowd. Pogson told the crowd about her experiences being stationed in Kuwait and Iraq earlier in the year. "We wore masks all day long during the first days of the war with scuds found around the nearby area," Pogson said. Pogson also said it was an amazing sight as her unit drove up through Iraq because they had no idea what to expect. She said they expected the worst and always had their weapons ready. "We had combat teams in front of us during a few ambushes and were shot at a few times, but the sign of Iraqis waving at us and telling us they loved us for being there to help them ranged from people who were from age 2 to 70," Pogson said. "Day-to-day life was all right. I worked as a battle captain and tracked all our missions and missions of other units to relay information to plan properly for the missions. It was hot as hell, I slept during the day and did a lot of my work at night." Pogson who is still stationed in Germany, said she came back specifically to speak to at the Veterans Day event and to talk to ROTC cadets about life in the army. "My unit is still stationed in parts of Iraq and I have to go back to Germany after this event," Pogson said. She also talked about the conditions in Iraq when she left. She said the country was in horrible condition and it was apparent the dispersion of wealth was in the northern region. "I was fortunate enough to fly back and we didn't have any issues going back from Iraq because people crowded us in the street to tell us how much they loved us and were very friendly on the way back from Iraq," Pogson said. "All my friends that went through ROTC at UConn might still be stationed in Baghdad now." Pogson said she was glad to come back to UConn. "Today was a very nice ceremony," Pogson said. "It is great to be here to celebrate Veterans Day with all of you." Retired Army Col. Edwin Passmore spoke about the history and importance of Veterans Day after Chaplain Philip J. Secker's prayer. Passmore said Veterans Day was originally dedicated to the remembrance of the World War I Armistice Day on Nov. 11 by Congress in 1954. He also said Veterans Day shows the willingness of American veterans to sacrifice and that they have earned our gratitude and we should then honor these patriots who uphold the ideals of this country. Passmore read a proclamation from President George W. Bush and said throughout our country's history, loyal citizens from every corner of America have willingly pursued the duty of military life. Time and time again in conflicts across the globe have proven democracy is mightier than tyranny from World War I up to the recent battles on the war against terror, he said. "Our military has built a tradition of faithful and loyal service to our country," Passmore said. "In respect for and in recognition of our servicemen's contributions to peace, Nov. 11 has been set aside as a public holiday to honor veterans. President Bush urges all Americans to recognize all the sacrifices the servicemen have given to our country." Secker then led the crowd in prayer after Pogson's speech. "May the lord grant wisdom for President Bush and leaders of all nations to say that terrorism can be repelled and freedom and justice will prevail," Seeker said. "Lord, comfort those who have lost love ones in this war. May peace, justice and freedom be guided across the world and give us the strength to make sacrifices to make the entire world safe." Following Secker's prayer, a bagpipe player played a military branch's song as officers representing the Army and Navy rose in recognition. The Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and Drum Core played "Nearer My God to Thee" with their flag draped on the floor and musket held down in observance of veterans. Veterans in attendance bowed their heads as the songs were played. The end of the ceremony was met by a standing ovation from the crowd. Military veterans at the event, including former Navy officer and current UConn Associate Director of Campus Activities Chuck Morrell said more people should come to events like this. "It is important especially for people serving in the armed forces now to attend these events," Morrell said. Frank Banks, another veteran from the Air Force, said he thought Americans should remember all the people who participated and served in the military. Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to remember the many that sacrificed for our country, Banks said, who served in the Air Force from 1957-1961. "We need to take time out of our lives to remember the price these [veterans] paid," Banks said. "We keep the spirit of America alive in our society by attending events like these."