November 10, 2021
Veterans Day Celebration
John Hammer shared the opening words.
Susan welcomed our guests, Bud Ockert-Speaker, Paul Goodrich, Colleen Haig and James Donaldson, from the Veterans Memorial committee.
Ric Flood led the club in the four way test.
Nancy Danforth shared the barrels for Toys For Kids are set up and our club is responsible for monitoring Shearer Audi, Integra, Volkswagen, Aubuchon Hardware/Shelburne and Shelburne Town Office. Volunteers are ready to collect the toys and delivery to the Williston drop off location until December 21.
Chris Davis shared the Gadue’s Coat Drive update. Six barrels will be placed at Shelburne Town office, Shelburne Library, Charlotte Library, Charlotte Town office, Hinesburg Library and Hinesburg Town office. Volunteers will be required to empty the barrels and deliver the winter wear to the Gadue’s location in the Shelburne Bay Plaza on Shelburne Road.
Susan announced that on December 1, we will induct three new members, Rene Sanchez, Bob Glover and Dave Micklas.
Susan helped at the Shelburne Food Shelf yesterday distributing the thirty turkeys donated by our club. Next week more turkeys will be donated to Charlotte and Hinesburg. The club will also continue to donate hams during the Christmas holiday.
A Christmas club gathering will take place at Bistro Cucina in December, either on 12/15 or 12/22.
Denis Barton collected the happy fines.
Diana Vachon introduced Bud Ockert and the Veterans Memorial Committee for the town of Shelburne. Diana highlighted his thirty years in the Army, indicating his resume was impressive.
Bud thanked the members of Charlotte Shelburne Hinesburg Rotary for the financial assistance and other involvement with the memorial.
Bud shared the history of Armistice Day, having taken place on November 11, 1918. In 1954, the United States amended this day to Veteran’s Day, declaring it a National holiday.
Bud also shared the story of the red poppies as expressed in a poem by John McCrae. The red poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. He then shared how different countries remember Armistice Day and the end of World War 1. The United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Canada and Russia all hold Remembrance Days of various types. Germany does not celebrate Armistice Day, there are no World War 1 memorials in Germany.
Bud stressed we need to express our gratitude to all veterans. The civilians who support the veterans also suffer the cost of war. He shared the story of his own family, frequent moves, frequent departure, the effect of the spouse left behind to manage the children and the household.
Bud defined the veteran, he is the common man and woman a Prisoner of War, the Nurse, the no combat soldiers who train, a Legionnaire with a prosthetic hand, the soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the elderly gentleman bagging groceries who helped free people from the concentration camps… He is a common man/woman…
Susan announced the book selected by Jim Donovan that will be donated to all three libraries, Shelburne, Charlotte and Hinesburg, in Bud’s name. “Walk In My Combat Boots” written by Matt Eversmann, James Patterson and Chris Mooney.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.