A Veteran’s Day Ceremony was held on the grey decks of the LST 325 landing ship in Evansville. The LST itself is a veteran of World War II and D-Day.
Monday, Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day. According to the Census Bureau, more than 6-percent of the adult American population — or 16.2 million people —identified as veterans in 2022.
Adam Bigge of the Evansville Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps plays “Amazing Grace” during the ceremony.
His father and his 17-year-old son are both veterans. He says these events are growing in attendance.
“I think we are seeing more and more people show up, and we're seeing more and more appreciation for our veterans and helping you care for them, especially here in Evansville.”
According to non-profit research firm, RAND Corporation, “… the public thinks very highly of U.S. veterans, endorsing positive stereotypes about veterans at a high rate and endorsing negative stereotypes at a very low rate. However, a majority of Americans would discourage a young person close to them from enlisting.”
Adam’s father Henry Bigge, 80, is a Korean War Army Veteran. He disagrees and thinks military service is a valuable experience.
“Being in the military, you grow up; you learn to respect other people.”
He is in favor of the draft, and he'd like to see more observance of the holiday.
As part of ceremony, LST 325 Museum Operations Coordinator Cory Burdette rang the bell of the landing boat 21 times.
This was preceded by a 21-gun salute, and words from Mayor Stephanie Terry.
She reviewed the history of Veteran's Day. “(We’re) continuing a custom that started at the end of World War One, 106 years ago today, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 the world observed the official cessation of hostilities between the allies and Germany.”
This June also happened to be the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Chris Donahue, Vice President of the LST Board of Directors said this Veteran’s Day Memorial is at a unique venue in the country.
“This ship, like I say, 80 years ago, last June 7, this ship was at Omaha Beach and Sicily and Salerno and before that, and North Africa.”
He said this ship is the only World War II LST still in such condition. It’s able to sail under its own power.
The American Legion out of Newburgh handled the presentation of the colors.
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