Wertzbaugher delivers Veterans Day address Nov. 11

Posted

By Tim Evans

Index Reporter

 

U.S. Army retiree Tom Wertzbaugher of rural Atalissa will be the featured speaker at the West Liberty Veterans Day services to be held at the Mansell L. Phillips American Legion Post 509 in West Liberty beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11.

A member of the Legion, Wertzbaugher has talked in the past about the price of freedom and the sacrifices so many – including hundreds from the West Liberty community – who have fought and died in wars or have died since.

Wertzbaugher, who retired in 2014 after 23 years in service to his country, has been the featured speaker at West Liberty Memorial Day services for several years, conducted with the help of the Mansell L. Phillips American Legion Post 509, West Liberty Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and the West Liberty High School band.

Born in 1962, Wertzbaugher has said in speeches in the past that the price of freedom in 1945 was the fact that 405,000 military personnel gave their lives by the end of World War II. By the end of the Vietnam war, 90,000 soldiers had died for their country and the global war on terrorism cost over 7,000 more lives.

Wertzbaugher pointed out while combat casualties continue to rise, the number of deaths by suicide among veterans has “skyrocketed,” pointing out 17 to 25 veterans take their lives every day. “That is a staggering amount – about one per hour,” he said.

Enlisting in 1990, Wertzbaugher, was involved in the “global war on terrorism,” fighting in three different Middle Eastern wars including serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

Legion commander Kevin Minor will be making introductions before the Legion goes outdoors to Calhoun Street in front of their home in downtown West Liberty to give a gun salute with the Legion color guard. The West Liberty High School band, directed by Ashley Smith, will provide patriotic music, including “Taps.”

Previous to the ceremony, the West Liberty American Legion Auxiliary will provide donuts, coffee and refreshments. 

All local veterans are encouraged to attend the event according to former commander Ken Riley and anyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Comments