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Ceremony speaker remembers comrades
With colorful autumn trees and overcast skies serving as the backdrop, a Veterans Day service organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1165 was held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery Monday morning. The featured speaker was Director of Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth Colonial Drew R. Meyerowich.
To begin his speech, Meyerowich thanked those in attendance, especially those not related in any way to a veteran.
"You know, 95 years of this tradition, it's somewhat alarming at times, that there are people out there (who are not veterans) who don't really concentrate on what this day is all about," Meyerowich said. "That's why I say thank you to people like that. Because they have taken time out of their day to celebrate 95 years of tradition that this Veterans Day is about."
Meyerowich also spoke about his active-duty service in the military. He told of a tragic tale that took place on the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, in October 1993 when he was a young captain in the Army. During the high profile battle in Somalia, Meyerowich's Army company aided in rescuing (Army) Rangers trapped deep within enemy lines. During the rescue attempt, two of Meyerwich's comrades died. As Meyerowich reflected on his 28 years in the military, he discussed what the sacrifices of his peers in the military have meant to him.
"We have World War II veterans, Korean veterans, Vietnam veterans, and veterans from the wars I've been in out here today," Meyerowich told the Tribune after the ceremony. "It's so nice we have an opportunity one day a year to sort of recognize what our veterans have done for our country. It means so much to me to be able to participate in this. And all these small towns throughout America are hopefully doing the same thing."
During his time in the service, Meyerowich served in Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq and Somalia. While in Iraq, Meyerowich served as a Battalion Commander from 2006-08, including 15 months of command during the height of the insurgency.
"I had 18 soldiers while I was deployed to Iraq, lost their lives, who gave the ultimate sacrifice as a soldier," Meyerowich said. "Every single day I live in memory of 20 soldiers who gave their lives."
Before Meyerowich stepped to the podium, Fort Scott resident Ronda Bailey sang the "National Anthem." Bailey was followed by musical guest Crystal Doucet, who performed songs "God Bless the USA," "America the Beautiful" and "Dear Uncle Sam."
Meyerowich, a native Floridian, said he was impressed with the National Cemetery.
"What a beautiful place," Meyerowich said. "It's obviously steeped in history, and one of the original National Cemeteries from Abraham Lincoln. What a great tradition to have here in Fort Scott."