Weiser honors her veterans

Whether the crowds are big or small, what has become Weiser’s annual Veterans March each 4th of July always carries gratitude expressed for local military veterans as well as for the long history of the country we all call home. This year’s celebration marked the 248th birthday of the Declaration of Independence. The eloquent preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

 Held the first time in 2008, the community celebration and Veterans March was the brain-child of then Weiser Mayor John Walker, himself a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Commander of Support in the Idaho Air National Guard.

 Walker was responsible for arranging Air National Guard flyovers during the first several community 4th of July festivities, along with barbecues served up by city employees and enjoyed by all who attended, with much of the provisions underwritten by local businesses who had collaborated with Walker in the effort.

 Marching with a small number of veterans and Weiser’s standing honor guard consisting of Staff Sergeant Brad Attebery, Sergeant Charles Marvin, Staff Sergeant Jana Hill, and CW1 Dick Bergquist, former Weiser police officer and U.S. Air Force veteran and Army National Guard Major Steve Fenske led the brief ceremony as the keynote speaker.

 Following a well-performed presentation of the National Anthem by Bailey Chandler, Fenske’s remarks focused on the Declaration of Independence intent for each individual’s right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

 “The preamble to the Constitution begins with the words ‘We, the People,’” Fenske said. “Today, those three words are only considered to be just the brief introductory statement to the U.S. Constitution’s fundamental purpose and principles. However, our courts have referred to it as ‘reliable evidence of the Founding Fathers intentions regarding the Constitution’s meaning and what they hoped the Constitution would achieve. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 “By the close of the day, we as Americans and citizens of Weiser, rest comfortably knowing that our Founding Fathers had the best interest of our nation and this country in mind. We pray that the future of our children is secure in the years to come.

 Many scholars have attempted to interpret our Founding Fathers, what they had in mind during the creation of the Declaration of Independence. When we think of those words ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’ I personally can’t help but reflect on the words of some of our past presidents… and especially (in reference to) the words ‘the pursuit of happiness.’”

 Fenske shared quotes from several of his favorite past presidents, the first from George Washington, “Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind than the external of the world.”

 Another, from Thomas Jefferson, goes, “I predict happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

 One of two of his favorites, following the Civil War Abraham Lincoln said, “We are not enemies, but friends. Americans all. We have sacred ties of affection, which though passion may have strained, let us hope never breaks. I earnestly invoke the cooperation of all good citizens for the effectual suppression of unlawful violence, and for the speediest possible restoration of peace and order, and with these of happiness and prosperity, throughout our country.”

 And, from John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

 “So, in closing, when you see Old Glory waving in the wind, give thanks to the many soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors who have sacrificed their lives for this country’s safety and security,” Fenske said. “They all took a solemn oath to protect the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, both foreign and domestic.”

 Fenske offered his personal appreciation for the many years Commander Jim Grunke has played a role in honoring veterans, and for the ongoing service of Attebery, Marvin, Hill, and Bergquist as the Honor Guard.

 “With that, I will close, wishing you a happy 4th of July, and may God bless you and the United States of America.”