Veterans

There are winners and losers in every election. It is our collective responsibility to find a way forward, regardless of whether our candidate comes out on top.

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on American history and those who made it. Fighting in World War I ended with a ceasefire on the 11th hour of Nov. 11, 1918.

A variety of popular musical acts, a full slate of harness racing and motorsports and an array of food and product vendors will reflect all the tastes of southern Illinois for the 2024 Du Quoin State Fair.

The Illinois agriculture industry would not be where it is today without the hard work, time and efforts put forth by passionate leaders. In appreciation of these leaders’ efforts, the Illinois Soybean Association created its annual Achievement Awards.

We pause as a nation to express our heartfelt gratitude to our veterans. It never quite feels like enough, however, compared to all these men and women have sacrificed in service to our country.

Thank you for your service. Those five words mean so much to men and women serving or who have served in the military. Each year on Nov. 11, rural and urban communities across the country host parades and ceremonies to honor those who served.

After completing his training to become a radio technician for the U.S. Army, David Boelkens had orders to go to Hawaii, but when he got to California his orders were changed to Vietnam.

Marvin Frederick expected to be drafted into the Army since he had a 23 lottery number. “I knew it was coming so I waited for the letter in the mail,” he said.

Stopping by Clavin Dairy Farm, chances are you’ll see three generations of the family milking cows. “I started milking when I was 7 years old and my girls probably started a little bit earlier,” said Leanne Casner.

For the farmers of Will and Kankakee counties who volunteer with Wreaths Across America, the time and labor to receive, unload and transport over 10,000 Christmas wreaths to a national cemetery goes beyond a good deed.

“I have seen it 58 times now — and it never gets old,” said Steve Garrington, the director of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, a regional hub of the national Honor Flight program.

Many military veterans find that farming promotes self-healing, purpose and self-identity upon return from active duty.

Marine Corps veteran Mike Mosier completed three tours of service before retiring in 2005. Mosier bounced between jobs until he found a career that lessened his PTSD symptoms — farming. Now he runs Fourth Mission Farm.

Jeremy Rutledge is proud of his service to his country, he’s proud of returning to the family farm, but what he’s most proud of is being a father and husband.

Ted Mottaz was fresh out of college and all set for a career in agriculture education, but Uncle Sam had other ideas.

AgriNews will dedicate its Nov. 8 online and Nov. 10 print editions to veterans to thank them for their selfless service and dedication to our country.

From the Revolutionary War to the present day, America’s military men and women have disproportionately originated from rural and agricultural backgrounds — 44% today, when only 17% of Americans reside in rural areas.

Every November, we set aside one day specifically to honor our veterans. And while many of us strive to do this every day, it’s important we all pause and recognize the sacrifices generations of veterans and their families have made to ensure our safety and secure our freedoms.