Veterans Council hosts veteran tribute

The Greene County Veterans Council, simply put, honors veterans. The organization assists with filing for benefits, determining what benefits a veteran may be eligible for, schooling, health care and many other practical things that some veterans may not realize they are entitled to, or find the application process too confusing. The GCVC helps every step of the way to existing vets, showing them honor by being there.

For the veterans they cannot help, for those who gave their lives to fight for the freedom of us all, or for those who served and returned home, the Veterans Council of Greene County shows the same honor each year, holding ceremonies and paying tribute. The service held on the west lawn of the Greene County Courthouse on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, was one such tribute.

Held annually, the ceremony includes equal parts honor, respect and appreciation.

This year, the service began at 11 a.m., with the posting of colors by the Bloomfield High School NJROTC, who marched with precision and whose Color Guard held the flags of the United States and Indiana.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Greene County Veterans Service Officer Norm Sullivan, who also serves as Treasurer for the service organization.

By Patti Danner Rev. Helms and veteran George Helms

The Reverend Eugene Helms, Pastor of the Word of Life Fellowship in rural Bloomfield, gave an emotional opening prayer, and was followed by “Center Stage,” the Choral group from Bloomfield High School, led by Laura Helms.The group sang the national anthem, and the anthems of the four branches of the United States Armed Forces; “The Army Goes Rolling Along (The Caisson Song),” for the U.S. Army, “The U.S. Air Force (Wild Blue Yonder),” for the U.S. Air Force, “Anchors Aweigh,” for the U.S. Navy and “The Marine Corps Hymn,” in honor of the United States Marine Corps.

Sullivan the introduced guest speaker Rev. Michael Irvine of Linton First United Methodist Church.

Irvine gave a short speech in which he talked about his military service.

The Rev. Eugene Helms then led the crowd in a prayer of closing.

The NJROTC and their color guard stood at full attention at all times during the service, along with the members of American Legion Post 196 Legion Riders.

By Patti Danner The Bloomfield NJROTC Color Guard at Friday’s service

The Legion Riders, Robert Edmondson, Brian Walters, Randy Blake, Rick Thompson, Jack Nail, and Charlie Welchel then gave the traditional honor of the 21 gun salute.

Three times the order to “Aim,” was given, and three times the order “Fire,” as the guns cracked sharply, followed by taps, played by Darrell Byers.