Veterans saluted at War on Terror dedication

Mar. 5--Veterans who have fought in the era of the War on Terror are not forgotten in Logan County.

A celebration to honor those who have fought in various wars against the Taliban and ISIS was held Wednesday at the Logan County Courthouse.

Joe Schaler, who is the Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Hayes /Krell Memorial Chapter, led the program that featured area military dignities.

Those speaking included Crystal Womack from the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Representative Tim Butler, Dan Benedict, superintendent of the Logan county Veteran Assistance Commission and James Allen, who is an instructor at the Army War College.

Benidict reminded those who filled the Courthouse Rotunda that those listed on the wall were from Logan County who gave their lives.

"There is power in these names. It shows freedoms are not free. Many still struggle with the invisible wounds that are left behind," said Benedict.

"My hope is this will be the last dedication of memorials."

Allen spoke of the day that changed America on September 11, 2001.

"We all remember where we were on that day. However this is an asymmetrical war a modern war that makes us ask, who is the winner? The aspects make it unique and the enemy tries to threaten our core values," said Allen.

Allen paid tribute to the late Daniel Gresham, formerly of Lincoln, who lost his life in 2005 while fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"He went in after an improvised explosive device went off trying to help other soldiers," said Allen.

Schaler along with Army veteran Peter Dowding made a special dedication to Gresham on the area dedicated to those who have served in the War on Terror.

After a playing of taps and singing "God Bless America" Schaler reminded those who have served in the War on Terror and want to be included on the wall to contact the Logan County Clerk's office.

"We don't know names until they have submitted their discharge papers," said Schaler.

"We will have another ceremony around Memorial Day to update the wall."

WOT veteran and minister at Grace Lutheran Church Pastor Dan McQuality ended the ceremony with the benediction.

Those in attendance were invited to Flossie and Delzenas for refreshments after the ceremony.

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