Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Salutes You celebrated its eighth cycle of banners Tuesday with a Veterans Day gathering at the Kosciusko County Courthouse Square.
Warsaw Salutes You Co-Coordinator Megan Stone thanked everyone attending Tuesday’s event for coming together to honor the courage and sacrifice of “all the men and women who have worn the uniform of our United States Armed Forces.”
Megan talked about the program’s history.
Warsaw Salutes You was started in 2020 by Megan’s daughter, Elizabeth, as part of her Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy project. Elizabeth saw banner programs in other communities, and she wanted to do the same in Warsaw. Elizabeth was also inspired by her older brother, Lt. Nate Stone, a 2012 Warsaw Community High School graduate, who also has served in the Navy since 2016.
Megan and Co-Coordinator Miechi Petro have taken over the program since Elizabeth has gone to college.
Elizabeth’s purpose for the program was to honor and recognize those who have or are currently serving in the military, to build and strengthen a spirit of community and patriotism and to enhance the beauty of the Warsaw community, Megan said. Elizabeth’s hope was the banners would be displayed downtown.
Megan said not including the 26 banners for military personnel or veterans that recently went up around the courthouse square in downtown Warsaw, 150 people have been honored with banners since the Warsaw Salutes You banner program started. Every branch of the military has been represented, with every war represented, starting with the Civil War.
With the most recent cycle of banners put up, every military branch is represented, two women are included and they represent eight different conflicts.
Megan said one of the banners honors Ellis Cox, who was in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne in World War II. He was in the Battle of Normandy and received a Purple Heart.
Megan said each veteran is honored, regardless of rank or service, as they answered the call to defend freedom, often at a great personal cost. She noted the sacrifice the family goes through when a loved one is in the military.
“We’re grateful and humble to honor you and your loved ones in this way,” Megan said. The banners include the name and the story of the local hero.
Ken Locke, one of the people with a banner hanging around downtown Warsaw, said his father was a WWII combat veteran. Only by the grace of God did he survive, Locke said.
Locke himself served during the Cold War era during peace time. He served with many who carried the effects of the Vietnam War with them, as many dealt with issues due to Agent Orange or were scorned when they came home.
He told the story of a friend of his, Mike, who served in Vietnam. When Mike came home, all the G.I.s were told not to tell anyone they were in Vietnam except their families and close friends. On his way home, Mike took a cab and told the driver he served in Vietnam. The driver then pulled over and told Mike to get out of the car.
Locke said it was a different time as there weren’t banners hanging on street lights. After 50 years, Locke said his friend still struggles with how he was treated when he came home.
Locke is always reminded freedom isn’t free. The banners are a reminder of that. The Warsaw Salutes You program is one way to ensure local veterans are thanked for their service.
For many, the battle doesn’t end when the person returns home as they have invisible wounds, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief and survivor’s guilt. He also reminded people 17 veterans commit suicide every day. Sometimes, someone just being there is more important than anything for veterans, Locke said.
He thanked the Warsaw Salutes Your program and all the veterans in attendance for their service.
