Veterans Day program included dedication of flagpole and presentation to World War II veteran
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WORLD WAR II — Vernoid Hoveland, a World War II veteran who is still active in the American Legion, received a plaque and life membership in the Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131 at the Colfax Veterans Day program at Colfax High School November 11. American Legion Post Commander Chris Larson presented the plaque while William C. Yingst Jr., school district administrator and also a member of the American Legion, read the inscription. — Photo by LeAnn R. Ralph
By LeAnn R. Ralph
COLFAX — The Veterans Day program at Colfax High School November 11 included the dedication of the flagpole at Tom Prince Memorial Park and the presentation of a plaque to World War II veteran Vernoid Hoveland.
Colfax High School and UW-Madison USAF ROTC graduate, retired U.S. Air Force pilot Lt. Col. Todd Berge, was scheduled to speak at the Veterans Day program at Colfax High School but was unable to attend.
“He’s retired, but he is a pilot, and he is on call to fly people around. His schedule changed, and he felt terrible. He sends his regards to Colfax,” said William C. Yingst Jr., school district administrator and a retired Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army.
Since the weather outside was a temperature of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit with a cold wind blowing, instead of holding the dedication of the flagpole at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, an image of the flagpole installed at the park was projected onto a screen while Yingst spoke.
The Colfax High School gymnasium was filled to capacity with members of the community, veterans and Colfax Elementary students.
“On August 30, 2018, we installed and dedicated the Vietnam Veterans Memorial sign and black granite headstone at Tom Prince Memorial Field. That day, over 400 people attended as well as our students and staff,” Yingst said.
“The day was a ‘blue bird day.’ The eagle was watching over us as he soared around the area. And a Huey helicopter landed. Since that time, Sally Johnson donated a flagpole and flag to stand watch over our Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Today we will dedicate that flagpole and flag. In the name of Pete and Sally Johnson and the Johnson family, today we dedicate these colors and flagpole,” he said.
“May the flag fly perpetually as the emblem of the cause for which our country has fought and continues to fight. Here is the flag of our country, and safe within its folds, is the freedom of our nation. We dedicate this flagpole and colors to the purposes of our Vietnam veterans, the community of Colfax, the state of Wisconsin and the United States of America. And with them, we dedicate this, to the faithful service of our nation, our people and our flag,” Yingst said.
“We thank Sally Johnson and her family for their donation in honor of the memory of Pete Johnson and our Vietnam veterans,” he said.
Hoveland
Following the dedication of the flag and flagpole, Yingst also made another special presentation.
“Today we are going to recognize a true American patriot who served in World War II, Mr. Vernoid Hoveland. Vern serves on our American Legion Funeral Honor Guard to this day, and Vernoid will turn 95 in a few weeks … I have mentioned in the past that Vernoid met the Russians face to face while liberating Europe during World War II,” he said.
American Legion Commander Chris Larson presented Hoveland with a plaque.
“American Legion Post 131 Russell-Toycen members, attention to orders. Please stand. At this time, I will read the citation on the plaque: Honorary life member certificate — the honor of life membership is presented to Vernoid O. Hoveland in recognition and sincere appreciation of outstanding loyalty and dedication to this organization. This honor recognizes the commitment demonstrated toward the programs, activities and ideals of the American Legion dedicated to God and country. Presented by American Legion Post 131 Commander this 11th day of November 2019,” Yingst read.
During the Veterans Day program at Colfax High School, Yingst also recognizes each group of veterans from various wars and branches of the service. The family members of veterans are recognized as well.
“When a solider goes to war, the entire family goes to war. Everyone in the family is affected by the solider being gone, and that may be Mom or Dad in this era. In my opinion, the spouses of our veterans have earned the same status we have earned. When we are sent away to war for military service, it is the spouse who keeps the family together. It is the spouse who takes care of all the day-to-day duties at home. And in many cases, while holding down a full-time job,” he said.
As they do every year, the fifth grade students at Colfax Elementary gave roses to the spouses of veterans, the mothers of veterans, members of the American Legion Auxiliary and to the service members in attendance.
Yingst also recognized Colfax graduates currently serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard: Hunter Clemmensen, who recently deployed to the Middle East; Jon Hayton, who recently deployed to the Middle East; and Sergeant Ryan Larson.
Tulips
At the end of the program, Trevor Hovde, principal at Colfax Elementary, also spoke about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedication.
“Last fall, we were fortunate to take part in the Vietnam Memorial presentation at Prince field at the beginning of the school year. This fall, we had donated tulip bulbs that our students planted at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,” Hovde said.
“The primary significance of the tulip is perfect love. The tulip flower is one of the world’s most easily-recognized and loved flowers. Many times as young children begin to draw pictures of flowers, the first of the flowers to be drawn is the tulip. Did you know each color of the tulip has a different meaning? Red tulips are most often associated with true love, while purple symbolizes royalty. The meaning of the yellow tulips has evolved somewhat from once representing hopeless love to now being an expression of cheerful thoughts, happiness and sunshine,” he said.
“Each of these colors represent the men and women who have served our country. Each spring, the tulips will bloom and bring new hope to a new season, filled with promise and perfect love. Wouldn’t it be unique if we started a new tradition in Colfax where we all planted tulips to show perfect love for our veterans?” Hovde said.