Honoring soldiers for their service

Nearly 300 locals paid their respects Wednesday to military veterans at a special ceremony in downtown Willows.

"I love our all our veterans," said Jane Wrinkle, president of the local Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. "I'm glad we get to show our support."

Her husband, Robert Wrinkle, is a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran.

Orland Councilman Mike Yallow, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony.

Yallow deliberately avoided sharing war stories, instead focusing on the philosophical aspects of this year's Veterans Day theme: "Freedom isn't free."

"Freedom does have it's victims," Yallow said, "and you cannot put a price on it."

Yallow said he defined "freedom" as "the ability to determine your own choices."

"Our enemies will always bare arms to try and deny you that choice," Yallow said.

Willows Boy Scouts from Troop 57 presented American flags and a banner at the start of the ceremony.

The Rev. Eugene Huffman, pastor of the Assembly of God Church, said a prayer, praising the efforts of servicemen and women and calling for strength and wisdom for the nation's leaders.

Wrinkle and Barbara LaDoucer laid a wreath on the symbolic tomb of the unknown soldier and a moment of silence was observed for all military veterans, particularly for the victims of the recent tragedy at Fort Hood in Texas.

"We should always be faithful to our troop and our vets and the service they give us," Dan Gupton, president of the local American Legion, said at the highly emotional tribute. "The term 'support our troops,' is more than just a catch phrase or bumper sticker."

Gupton challenged the crowd to become directly involved with any activity or program that would provide aid to American soldiers, especially those stationed in combat zones.

"Honoring veterans is our connection to our own history, families and patriotism," Gupton said. "It's a sacrifice that only veterans and their families can truly understand."