Monroe County and Bloomington officials gathered at the Monroe County Courthouse Monday to mark Veterans Day and recognize members of the United States armed forces.
Commander Richard Dunbar of American Legion Burton Woolery Post 18 led the proceedings, which included a POW/MIA ceremony, memorial wreath presentation and a gun salute by the Monroe County Veterans Honor Guard.
Dunbar and the crowd honored four World War II veterans Monday, including Herbert Ray, who served in the Navy in the Philippines until the end of the war. He says he’s seen quite a few Veterans Days in his time – and appreciates each and every one.
“I think it’s the greatest thing that ever happened to the veterans, to let them know that people do care about us," he says.
Ray is a member of what is known as the “greatest generation” – Americans born between 1900 and the late ‘20s who lived through the Great Depression and WWII. Like many servicemen, he says he came home from the war and went back to school to start his life outside of the military.
“Well, I’ll tell you what – I joined the service when I was 17 years old, I went into the Navy, and then I came back and I got my education," he says.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 6,500 Monroe County residents are veterans, with nearly 2,500 living in Bloomington.
