Paso Robles honors veterans
The annual Veteran’s Day ceremony held at the Paso Robles District Cemetery was well attended by both veterans and community members. Photos by Jackie Iddings.
–The Veterans Day ceremony at the Paso Robles District Cemetery was well attended by both veterans from all generations and the community.
After two vintage airplanes from the Estrella War Birds flew over and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin praised the American troops, active and retired, for their persistence in training, in battle, and in peace time. Colonel Jan C. Norris, Commander Fort Hunter Liggett stated that the “Veteran bond is part of the uniquely American character,” crediting that bond to veterans understanding “that combat effects us in ways that others do not understand.” Norris went on to state about veterans of all the generations, “We are of the same family.”
The honor guard included members of VFW Post 10965, American Legion Post 50, and Sons of American Legion.
Community service groups were well represented at the ceremony. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Paso Robles Boy and Girl Scout troops. The honor guard included members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10965, American Legion Post 50, and Sons of American Legion. Bob Chaney, Commander VFW Post 10965 was the Master of Ceremonies. Opening and closing prayers were led by Reverend Ruben Tate, Retired Sgt. USAF and singing “My Country Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful” was led by Marjorie Hamon. The Paso Robles District Cemetery and Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home saw to it that appetites were fully served by providing snacks and a hot dog lunch.
WWII Veteran and Paso Robles resident Don Hannen.
One of the attending veterans, Don Hanner, is a 30 year Paso Robles resident and a WWII and Korean War veteran. Hanner said he was drafted at 18 and served with the 71st Infantry that liberated the Gunskirchen Lager concentration camp in Austria. According to the United States Holocaust Museum web site, the camp was liberated on May 4, 1945. Around 15,000 prisoners were in the camp when the troops entered. Over the months following the liberation, 1500 former prisoners died as a consequence of their mistreatment during imprisonment.
“We were in combat in the south of France and fought our way into Germany and Austria,” said Hanner. These days, Hanner says that he is a speed boat enthusiast.
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