Skip to main content

Citrus Heights Messenger

Real Heroes Don't Wear Capes

Nov 19, 2017 12:00AM ● By By Elise Spleiss

Lou Borovansky and Doug Borges shared their memories at the Sylvan Cemetery Veterans Day event. Photo by Heidi Borges

Real Heroes Don't Wear Capes [2 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

Veterans Honored at Citrus Heights Veteran’s Day Service

Citrus Heights, CA (MPG) - Veteran’s Day, or what was formerly Armistice Day is celebrated every year on November 11. Services begin at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month. This is the exact date and time during World War I (WWI) when the armistice or cease fire was reached between the Allied countries including the United States, and Germany in 1918. An act of Congress changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all who had served in the U.S. military since its birth.

The traditional procession through the cemetery prior to the ceremony at the gazebo was led by the Citrus Heights Police (CHDP) motor brigade, followed by CHDP Honor Guard, American Legion (AL) Post 637, Boy Scout Troop 228, members of the police department, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) rifle team, and members of the community.

The Folsom Harmony Express chorus paused their patriotic songs while the CHPD color guard presented the colors. Acting Post 637 Chaplain Al Schuler said a prayer and led the pledge of allegiance.

Representing the Citrus Heights City Council members present, Mayor Jeff Slowey greeted attendees and thanked the veterans for their service. Police Chief Ron Lawrence noted the close bond between the military and police officers, resulting from the nature of their work to protect the public often at the risk of their own lives. He recalled the inspirational story of Captain Charlie Plumb, a former Navy Fighter Pilot who, after 74 successful flights over Vietnam, was shot down on his 75th mission, only five days before the end of his tour.  He was 24 when he parachuted into enemy territory over Hanoi and was captured.

Plumb served his 6 years as a prisoner of war (POW) in an 8x8 windowless cell with no books, paper or pens. He was tortured and dehumanized. His wife, believing him to be dead, remarried while he was gone. Lawrence noted that Plumb had come out of this experience stronger, recognizing that all adversity is an opportunity to be ones best self. Plumb continues to carry his message of what he has learned from his imprisonment to audiences around the world.

AL Post 637 Commander Paul Reyes thanked Boy Scout Troop 228 for faithfully volunteering at every Memorial and Veterans service at Sylvan to put up the many flags lining the Avenue of Flags.

American Legion member and Master of Ceremonies Jim Monteton gave a brief history of World War I (WWI) and of America’s 13- month involvement in the four-year war. He spoke of WWI being known as the “War to End All Wars”, as our country had no idea there would be a ‘sequel’ in twenty years. Monteton quoted the Greek philosopher Plato’s ironic words, “only the dead have seen the end of war.”

                 

Sacramento County Legal ads  Click on this image to learn more about placing legal ads in the Messenger Publishing Groups publications
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Messenger - Memorial ads  Click on this image of a Peace Lily to learn more about placing a Memorial ad in the Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Messenger  Arrest records  Click on this image of Police Tape to read a listing of recent arrests in the Citrus Heights area
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Messenger  Donated to support local journalism  Click on this image to donate to the Citrus Heights Messenger to keep local journalism alive
Sacramento - Citrus Heights Messenger Make the Rest of your life the Best of your life Click on this image of a mature couple to find resources and articles for mature singles
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Click on this ad to find archives of Citrus Heights Messenger  newspapers
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Messenger  Learn more about Cirtus Heights Water district and how to save water
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Messenger  Learn more about Cirtus Heights Water district and how to save water
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Messenger  Image of fresh food Click on this ad for KP International Market to go to their website
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Click on this ad for First US Community Credit Union to be taken to their website
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Click on this ad for Cogir of Stock Ranch Senior Living Facility to learn more about their services
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Click on this ad for El Dorado Savings Bank to be taken to their website
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Click on this ad for Pinnacle Employee Services to learn more about their HR Payroll and Benefits services for businesses
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Click on this ad for American River Chiropractic to learn more about their Chiropractic Memberships
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Call 916-728-5812 to learn more about Superior Landscaping Services company
Sacramento  Citrus Heights Image of Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra Click on this ad to learn more about Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra schedule and buy tickets
Sacramento   Citrus Heights  Image of Sacramento River Cats Baseball Team Click on this ad to learn more about River Cats Baseball schedule and to buy tickets
Sacramento  Image of the Milky Way Click on this ad to learn more about the programs and events at Aero Space Museum of California and to buy tickets
Sacramento  Fair Oaks Image of Lighthouse for Grace Baptist Church Click on this ad to learn more about Grace Baptist Church worship schedule
Sacramento   Click on this ad to learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation An organization helping disabled Veterans and Homeless veterans find housing and support
Upcoming Events Near You

No Events in the next 21 days.