American Legion observes Veterans Day, 100th Anniversary of WWI Armistice

Lincoln's America Legion Post 9 hosted thenir annual Veterans Day observance at the Lincoln Community Hall Sunday, marking the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the first world war at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

As part of the World War I remembrance, the presentation began in a slightly different way as Post 9 joined in the "tolling of the bells" at 11 a.m. The World War I Centennial Commission asked organizations, churches and individuals across the nation to toll a bell 21 times at 11 a.m. local time in honor of 116,516 Americans who died.

Nearly 1000 Montanans were among those who died in the war.World War I saw Montana send nearly 17 percent of its service age men to war, a higher percentage than almost any other state. According to the Montana Historical Society, a total of 35,500 Montanans between 18 and 44 either volunteered or were drafted for service.

Jim Phennicie, a retired Senior Master Sergeant who served with the Montana Air National Guard and deployed twice to Iraq, delivered the prepared Veteran's Day address, but prefaced it with his own remarks. Referencing a transcript of an American Legion magazine article, he talked briefly about the fact that "the war to end all wars" wasn't. He noted that the First World War created a power vacuum in some European nations that ultimately led to more conflict including the Second World War.

History shows that as early as 1919, some realized what would happen. French Marshall Ferdinand Fock said when the Treaty of Versaille was signed that "This is not a peace. It is an armistice for 20 years." Twenty years and 65 days later, Adolf Hitler launched the Second World War. In turn, Hitler's defeat saw half of Europe end up behind the Communist Iron Curtain throughout the Cold War. The battle against Communism in turn led to fighting in places like Korea and Vietnam.

"We've learned, after 100 years, that sometimes war begets more war," he said.

The prepared remarks spoke only briefly about the centennial of the Armistice and how the end of WWI led to the founding of the American Legion, but focused more on the commitment by the country to take care of returning veterans.

"It is a commitment that continues today whether the wounds be inflicted by an IED in Afghanistan or injuries from a training accident in California," Phennicie said.

It highlighted the importance of small gestures such as Dear Soldier letters and the positive impact they can have even years later, the need to tackle homelessness and unemployment among today's veterans and about the barriers some veterans have overcome.

"A simple but proven way to thank a veteran is to hire a veteran. It offers hope and opportunity to those who have not just earned a shot at the American dream, but have defended the freedom of others to do the same," Phennicie said.

After the speech, some veterans talked about their own experiences in the service or about the service of their relatives. John Beckman Sr., who delivered the opening prayer for the event, spoke of his time in two branches of the military, which included a year in Vietnam. Beckman originally joined the Navy and trained as a jet engine mechanic. While in the Navy, his duty stations would keep him landlocked, but it also let him meet his wife of 56 years, Margie. Beckman left the Navy, but later joined the Army hoping to become a helicopter engine mechanic and stay closer to his new wife. Ironically, his prior service in the Navy saw him assigned to duty aboard different Army boats.

He laughed at the fact he got his land duty in the Navy and his sea duty in the Army, but also felt God was looking out for him. He said had he gotten the job he'd hoped for, his service in Vietnam likely would have seen him served as a crew chief or door gunner on a helicopter in direct combat, rather than moving supplies on a ship.

Rich Paul took the opportunity to ask the crowd a simple question: "Where are the kids?" With only three or four youngsters in the audience, he was making a point that younger generations rarely attend such functions.

Phennicie likewise noted the lack of younger participants, but he was talking about younger veterans.

"You don't see people my age or younger in this room," he said, but admitted he understands their reasons for not showing up. Many are still sick and tired of the military or simply just aren't ready yet, he said.

"If you have family members who need support, encourage them to come to groups like the American Legion," Phennicie said. He explained that such groups include people who can relate to what they've been through and can help veterans heal and rebuild.

The day's observation, which began with 21 tolls of a bell, ended with the playing of Taps and a three volley salute to the fallen.

The Legion's Annual Veterans Day Chili dinner followed the formal observance.

*The story's been updated to correct the misidentification of John Beckman Sr., who was originally identified as John Beckman II