In time of war, hope for peace
Cairo remembers sacrifice, service of veterans
The Daily Mail
Nov. 12, 2009

CAIRO — The service and sacrifice of military veterans were remembered and honored Wednesday in Cairo in a ceremony at the Joseph E. Prahl Veteran’s Memorial Circle in Angelo Canna Town Park.

The brief 11 a.m. ceremony was led by members of the American Legion Mohican Post 983, the Marine Corps Legion and the Cairo-Durham Elks Lodge 2630.

“We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation’s cause defending the freedom of man and preserving our precious American heritage,” American Legion Commander John Low said, opening the ceremony.

Lucy Mozzillo, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, reminded the gathered veterans, officials and Cairo residents that war effort involved those stateside who lived with a terrifying loneliness.

“The fighting forces begin at the fireside and in the hometowns. The repercussions of war, terrible brutality, had chilled the heart, dimmed the hopes and dreams of many a left behind on the homefront,” she said. “Our hearts beat in tune with those in other nations fighting for freedom and the dignity and opportunity of man.”

Legion First Officer Mike Adrian said public honor is due to those who serve the public, those have devoted their lives to education and those who live their lives with noble idealism and a sincere capacity of self-devotion.

Ethel Korba, a post member, auxiliary member and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said in war, each military branch and soldiers of every background shared a common denominator of purpose.

“As we put aside the brown, the blue and the green fabrics that made us one people on the battlefield, we can hold in our minds the tolerance we have achieved,” she said, adding that tolerance led to progress toward a better and happier world.

Post Commander Low said the ennobling virtues of war during times of peace to scale new heights of achievement, unity of purpose and sacrifice for the common good.

“We shall move forward in the sight of God as a strong nation in a peaceful world,” he said in closing.