Near freezing temperatures didn’t stop individuals from attending the annual Veterans Day celebration at Veterans Park in downtown Frankfort Monday morning.
The event was highlighted by music from the Frankfort High School band under the direction of Jason Hutton, the singing of the National Anthem by Jacque Clements, a reading of a list of veterans who passed on during the last year by Millard See, who also recited a poem called “Taps”, the actual playing of Taps by Rockie Matz, the Pledge of Allegiance by Opal Bower, a Veterans Day message from a representative from Senator Todd Rokita’s office, an Invocation and Benediction by Reverend Craig Overman, the decorating of the mound plus the Veteran’s Day address give by Sergeant Dustin Holycross of the Indiana National Guard.
Holycross was asked what does Veterans Day mean to him and his fellow Guard members.
“Overall, it’s encompassing the gratitude that we can show towards our veterans,” said Holycross. “As we look back at our past and current service members, it’s just the ability to give back to them.”
Holycross said he had never been asked to give a speech such as the Veterans Day address and admitted he was kind of overwhelmed when he asked to do so.
“I’m very appreciative of this,” said Holycross about the opportunity to give the Veterans Day address. “It’s an honor for me to do this and to give back to the veterans as well.”
Holycross is from Gary, but is located in Frankfort through the National Guard.
“It’s a huge ordeal to serve for the Guardsmen from the traditional soldiers,” he said. “They also live their civilian life. But transitioning back and being able to be a part of something bigger is always the greatest feeling.”
This was also the 100th year of celebrating Veterans Day.
Facebook Photos by Erick Dircks