PONTIAC - Military and government dignitaries came together to honor and remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.
About 50 veterans came to VFW Post 1370 & Ladies Auxiliary and AMVETS Post 101 on Saturday afternoon to witness the planting of a freedom tree that will serve as a reminder for generations to come of the sacrifices that so many have made to keep the United States free.
The green ash sapling was grown from seeds taken from a tree that overlooks the birthplace of President Eisenhower in Denison, Texas. A stone marker was placed by the tree to commemorate the day.
A moment of silence, a ceremonial rifle salute and the playing of taps helped honor fallen veterans.
U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee, D-Flint, reminded the veterans of the constant danger that surrounds the country. He told the group that his son had been around the world in military service before he was sent to the Pentagon.
"When he was sent home to the Pentagon, I felt very secure, but we now know the country has become the target of aggression," Kildee said.
He told a story about a magnolia tree that President Andrew Jackson planted on the White House grounds in his wife's memory in 1828. It was that tree that protected the White House from attack in 1993, when the pilot of a small plane tried to fly into the building.
Air Force Col. Steven Novy, director of staff for the air mobility command, told the veterans they were there to honor the more than 1.1 million veterans who have died in service to the country since the Revolutionary War.
For Kildee, Saturday's trip was the last he will make on Memorial Day weekend to Oakland County as its representative. Because of redistricting, Oakland County will no longer be in his district. But he thought it was important to honor veterans in Oakland County.
"These are the ones who fight the wars, pay their taxes and obey the laws," Kildee said.
©The Oakland Press 2002
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