by Phil Keren

Editor

Cuyahoga Falls -- Despite the overcast skies and cool temperatures, a crowd of more than 50 people gathered at the city's Veterans Memorial on Broad Boulevard for the annual Veterans Day service Nov. 11.

This year's guest speaker was Cuyahoga Falls Police Capt. Randy Rivers, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 through 1979, including two years in Southeast Asia and one year in Korea.

Following the ceremony, Capt. Rivers said it was "truly an honor" to be invited to address a crowd composed of veterans, city officials, high school students and other residents. He noted the ceremony gave him a chance to reflect on his time in the military in the 1970s.

"It's like another lifetime ago," Capt. Rivers said of his military service. "I guess maybe that's why it's nice to have ceremonies like this because it takes that other lifetime, [and] brings it back here."

Capt. Rivers said veterans told him his address helped them recall their own experiences in the U.S. Armed Forces.

"They said that one or two little words in the speech just started to spark their own recollections," he said. "Maybe that's what this is all about. You don't need anything flowery. You just need something that just hits home."

Capt. Rivers was invited to speak by retired U.S. Army National Guard Master Sgt. Ronald M. Woods, who now serves as a Cuyahoga Falls Police reserve officer.

Master Sgt. Woods, who was also an Akron firefighter, served in the U.S. Navy, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve for 40 years before retiring in 2005.

"I regret it to this day because I am military to death, and it's no secret. Everybody knows ... A lot of the old vets still have the same feeling. We serve until death," said Master Sgt. Woods, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 and served for two years in that branch. He then joined the Military Police's 324th Infantry Company with the Army National Guard and acquired the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also served as a counterintelligence agent with the 342nd Military Police company through the Army Reserve. He spent the last five years of his service as a teacher for Military Police in Parma, Brookpark and Austintown.

In his address to the crowd, Capt. Rivers noted Veterans Day originally began as a way to mark the end of World War I, which was considered "the war that was to end all wars."

"It has since taken on a more deeper and meaningful symbolization," Capt. Rivers continued. "It has become a call to remember those that have come to the aid and defense of this great nation, the American military veteran. Since the beginning of this country, there have been countless men and women who have answered that call, and taken up their post to preserve and defend the principles of democracy and freedom."

Capt. Rivers then highlighted some of the images and feelings which many veterans have undoubtedly experienced.

"We remember the endless hours of training and tasks that taught us commitment, and attention to detail," said Capt. Rivers. "We remember the day that we went over there, and over the pond, and the feelings of uncertainty. We remember the certain songs from Dorsey, Presley, the Stones and AC/DC that helped us wile away the time on post and on watch. We remember the angst and the fear that we endured while awaiting the fight of contact, and trying to overcome them by bantering with our brothers, and talking to God, and asking for strength and protection. We recall that when contact was made, and the claxon sounded, we manned our guns, we took the wheel, we took the helm and we accomplished what seemed to be impossible."

Capt. Rivers noted that on Veterans Day, he remembers his uncle, Howard M. Rivers, who served as a U.S. Navy radioman, Second Class. His uncle's TBF-Avenger plane was shot down over the Japanese occupied island of Saipan on June 17, 1944.

"His remains were never found," said Capt. Rivers. "And only a simple stone marks his sole existence in a nearby cemetery."

Capt. Rivers concluded his speech by reminding veterans of their mission.

"We must recognize that we still carry on the torch of dignity and respect for the flag, ourselves, and others," said Capt. Rivers. "In this 11th month, on this 11th day, at this 11th hour, we honor those who have gone before, those of us here now, and those who will come to pass."

The invocation was given by Chaplain Robert Smith of VFW Post No. 1062, the American Flag was raised by members of Dad's Post No. 11, which is affiliated with VFW Post No. 1062, the wreath was placed at the Veterans Memorial by Harriett Lytle, president of the Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post No. 1062, the gun salute was done by the VFW Post No. 1062 Firing Detail, and taps was played by Michael McClain, commander of American Legion Post No. 281.

E-mail: pkeren@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3940