A day of tribute for nation's warriors

Veterans honored in religious service Sunday

MOSES LAKE — A series of tributes to those who risked their lives for this nation began Sunday.

Veterans from all branches of the military gathered at Garden Heights Elementary for a religious service honoring their efforts.

Pastor Mike Swartz from Lake Valley Baptist Church emceed the ceremony, where more than 200 people paid their respects to more than eight decades of men and women in uniform.

Friends and relatives of those who served were in attendance as well, including Shirley Schmunk, the mother of National Guard Spc. Jeremiah Schmunk, a native of Warden killed in action in Iraq this July.

Part of the ceremony was a tribute to Schmunk, as well as a speech by Dr. Tom Vogel, a Vietnam veteran and author of "Growing Up In Vietnam: Lessons in Life Learned From The Vietnam War."

Vogel, the vice president of Hyles-Anderson College, a Bible college in Schererville, Ind., ran through the military history of this country, saying that Americans owed to those who had served in uniform. However, many of them are forgotten.

"Most Americans can't name a World War I battle they haven't made a movie out of," he said. "Eighty years later, all Veterans' Day means is there will be no mail." Nov. 11 marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, and was known as Armistice Day until 1954.

After paying tribute to those who died in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, Vogel said that Americans should stand behind the troops in Iraq, as well as behind President George W. Bush.

"(The troops') sacrifice is not for themselves, it's for others." he said.

Vogel finished his remarks by calling on the crowd to live in a manner that honors the sacrifice of the thousands who have died in battle throughout history.

"They died for our freedom, but not for our freedom to sin." Vogel said. "They died so we could spread the gospel of Jesus."

Swartz praised the words of Vogel, hinting that they served as a reminder to the younger generations.

"I don't think they realize the loss of life that takes place in wartime," he said.

Both Swartz and Vogel agreed that occasions like these serve to express a love for America that sometimes goes unsaid.

"We have a obligation to use the freedom that these men provided," Vogel said.

Swartz said that current and future generations must and will remember to honor the women who have served, as well.