Visiting Putnam Rotary are veterans from James E. Marshall WV Post 187 of the American Legion: From left are Daniel Cooper, Ronnie Mathews (Putnam Circuit Court Clerk), Jim Kinser, Curtis Grant, Terry Williams and Robert D. "Dan" Chandler. Unable to attend is Clem Pemberton, the post bugler.

Dan Chandler

October 25, 2011

In the First World War, a cessation of hostilities was called for in 1918 at 11.11.11 -- the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The armistice was celebrated each year thereafter on November 11th, and in 1954 the national holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The Winfield chapter of the American Legion, James E. Marshall WV Post 187, were present in full dress uniform today to present a patriotic military review to Putnam Rotarians.

The veterans included Dan Chandler, Daniel Cooper, Curtis Grant, Jim Kinser, Ronnie Mathews and Terry Williams.

Rotarian and County Commission President Joe Haynes is a member of Post 187. "Joe was Navy," said Chandler. "I was Air Force. All the rest here were Army.

"You see how it goes, " he joked.

It was a couple of weeks before Veterans Day 2011, but just another day of duty for the squad from Winfield's American Legion post. "We are attending funerals more often now," explained spokesman Dan Chandler. "Veterans of 'the Greatest Generation' and Korea are fading into the sunset.

"We do about one funeral a week," he continued. "We fire the rifles. We fold the flags. Our Post Commander Clem Pemberton plays 'taps."

Chandler enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, and later served in the Air National Guard as a C-130 load master. "I have traveled all over the world," he said. "My bachelor of arts in geography from Morris Harvey was put to good use as I traveled to 77 countries and all fifty states.'

Chandler's wife taught him computer PowerPoint, and he put together a slide presentation accompanied by patriotic music which spanned American military history from World War I to the present day.

"We make presentations in schools, for civic groups, churches, and -- you name it. And we remind people what it means to be an American."

Among the scenes of military action shown by Chandler were views of battle memorials and thousands of crosses in military cemeteries. "Our nation has never taken an inch of ground by military force," Chandler told the group. "The only land we have ever taken are the places where American soldiers are buried."

Only a small percentage of Americans have served their country in military service, Chandler said.

Many made the ultimate sacrifice. And some, like the veterans of Post 187, continue to serve.