Honoring veterans

Pride swelled and filled the room when each veteran from the various branches of the service stood as their theme song rang out from the Glenn Chorale on Sunday.

But it was the camaraderie shared by the oldest veteran from World War II to the youngest member of today's forces that marked the Veterans Day ceremony held at Memorial Hall in Willows.

"That is why we gather as veterans and non veterans," said Dennis James, who emceed the event.

Nearly 100 people attended the event, which began at 11 a.m., marking the time when the armistice was signed to end World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

It also marks the moment for the holiday, which became Veterans Day in 1954.

In addition to the lone formal event held in the county, American flags lined the streets of most of the communities, and could be seen in virtually all neighborhoods.

A day that noted the end of World War I, the "war to end all wars," has become a day to remember those who have served, and to remember there may never be a war to end all wars.

The Willows ceremony was a bit unique as the veterans were asked again to swear an Oath of Enlistment, as all had before.

"With these few words, we were in the service; with these few words our lives changed," James said.

Tracey Quarne, Glenn County superintendent of schools and director of the county choir, then discussed the various elements of the oath to remind the audience of just what kind of absolute loyal commitment each veteran had taken in service of the nation.

Then a handful of veterans were given an opportunity to talk about their own enlistment days, stories of humor and humility.

"I was scared stiff; I knew I would be sent to Vietnam," said Ben Roberts, who admitted he tried to avoid his draft, but ultimately was proud to serve.

"I got to be with guys you never had to look over your shoulder when they had your back."

Bill Spears, the outgoing Willows police chief and newly elected member of the City Council, said he joined the Marines with five others as part of the buddy system.

"And the guy who talked me into it got (medically discharged)," said Spears, raising a laugh from the crowd.

A Marine, Spears also is a Vietnam veteran. He landed as enemy fire hailed down on them.

"I still go on the Internet and talk to people I served with ... and have met a lot of veterans from different branches," Spears said. "And we are all veterans, and served the same country."

Two wreaths were placed in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

A color guard made up of local Boys Scouts and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post presented the flags.

Then it was time to socialize with refreshments.

"It was an honor, and I would do it again," one veteran said while leaving the room.