By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Retired Air Force Col. Vernon Hansen Sr. flew 105 combat missions during the Vietnam War, and more during Desert Storm. During his 27 years of service, he commanded airmen around the world.
As he began his keynote speech at the Bowling Green Memorial Day program in Oak Grove Cemetery, he looked over at Memorial Hall at BGSU – where his military service began.
“One might say I haven’t come very far,” said Hansen, who graduated from Bowling Green High School and BGSU.
But Hansen and his ancestors have served America for generations. He and his wife come from a long line of soldiers, traced back to the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. He listed off famous battlefields where they fought that are now part of history.
Hansen himself flew midnight missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a military supply route running from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to South Vietnam. The route sent weapons, manpower, ammunition and other supplies from communist-led North Vietnam to their supporters in South Vietnam during the war.
The military service of the family continued after Vernon Hansen Sr., with his son serving in Iraq, and a grandson next in line to serve.
Hansen talked about the loss of family and friends in the military – remembered with reverence on Memorial Day.
“These people were not famous, but their deaths were very personal to me,” he said.
They sacrificed all trying to secure freedom for those oppressed, Hansen said.
“And so today, we have gathered once more,” he said. “So we may continue to live our lives free in a free America.”
For the second consecutive year, the Bowling Green Memorial Day parade was canceled due to COVID. There was no marching band parading through town. No children lining the streets and waving small American flags as veterans passed. No men removing their hats as Old Glory passed by.
But this year, people were able to gather in Oak Grove Cemetery, where flags waved over the graves of many veterans.
The Bowling Green High School band played patriotic songs, and wreaths were placed on the mound for veterans of wars dating back to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Civil War reenactors presented a 21-rifle salute.
General Logan’s Orders was read by John Fawcett, the Gettysburg Address was recited by Mayor Mike Aspacher, a patriotic poem was read by Joe Fawcett, the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Evie Van Vorhis, and Taps was played by BGHS band members Kate Tretter and Nolan Miller.
Memorial Day was first recognized as Decoration Day in 1868 to remember those who lost their lives serving the nation.
“When the need was greatest, they stepped forward,” Father Tom McQuillen said. Giving the most precious gift they had.
Now it is the responsibility of other Americans to care for the families left behind, be watchful caretakers of freedom, and never send soldiers to battle for causes that are not worthy, he said.
“Never let us forget those who paid the greatest price,” McQuillen said.
Those honored on Memorial Day did not get to drink a beer with their buddies when they came home, or gather with family for a homecoming party, said retired Army Col. Greg Robinette, who served as master of ceremonies.
They came home in flag-draped coffins or were buried in far away lands, he said.
More than 1 million American soldiers have sacrificed their lives, Robinette said.
“May we always remember,” he said.
“As you leave, please continue to reflect and remember all who have sacrificed,” Robinette said.
