CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As a young boy, Rick Ramos’s great-grandmother often read him old letters sent home by relatives fighting abroad in various U.S wars. She wanted to ensure that Ramos never forgot the sacrifices his family members, and many others, made defending their country.
“She never got rid of the letters,” said the current commander of Francis E. Self American Legion Post 6. “That was her thing, that we must always remember.”
Ramos shared this ancedote with hundreds of community members, veterans and their families during a Veterans Day observance ceremony this afternoon. The event was hosted by Post 6, a local chapter of the national veteran association The American Legion.
Upon seeing the size of the audience and recalling his recent visits to several school and community Veterans Day functions, Ramos said he is proud to see how dedicated residents are toward remembering local veterans.
“I don’t know what’s going on in the rest of the world,” he said, “but I know that in our little piece of the world, we remember.”
Like Ramos, Shawn Broad from the Cheyenne Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and the ceremony’s emcee said his family has served the U.S. for several generations. On this day, he is reminded of the writings of Civil War historian James M. McPherson regarding people’s motives for serving.
“When it boils down to everything, every one of us who has served and have been in combat situation, we did not do it because we despise the enemies in front of us,” he said, paraphrasing McPherson’s writing. “We did it because of the people that were next to us, the people that we left at home. That is truly what we fought for.”
The hour-long ceremony included a posting of the colors, a recognition of local veteran associations, memorial prayers, a 21-gun salute and brief speeches from distinguished guests, including Laura Curran, field representative for Sen. John Barrasso’s Office. Curran read a statement on behalf of the senator expressing his appreciation for the state’s servicemen and women.
“In Wyoming we know our freedom comes at a great cost,” the statement reads. “Today, we pay tribute to veterans and their families as we reflect and remember, we share our appreciation for the opportunities, safety and liberty provided for us through your sacrifice.”
