By NICK BUDD
Hays Post
NATOMA — The community of Natoma kicked off Veterans Day festivities Friday with USD 399’s and the American Legion Auxiliary’s fifth annual Veterans Day Salute. The event was filled with music and remarks from students, staff, parents of soldiers and elected officials from around the state, including Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler.
The salute was the first ceremony Huelskamp attended since his last remaining uncle passed away — one of eight uncles who served in a war.
“Our liberty is not free,” Huelskamp said. “That’s why men and women around the world continue to fight terrorist groups such as ISIS to defend our liberties, and we must keep them in mind.”
Huelskamp also reminded the crowd of more than 100 at Natoma Elementary School of a recent bill that allows veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility to pick their own doctor, noting it as “a step in the right direction.” The recently re-elected congressman serves on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee in the U.S. House.
Chelsea Ladd, a staffer for Sen. Jerry Moran, also made remarks on behalf of the senatorial representation in Kansas. Moran also serves on the U.S. Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee.
“For nearly a century, Americans have gathered each year to remember those courageous souls who have answered the call to serve,” Ladd said from prepared remarks form Moran. “We gather together to express our gratitude and to remind our children and grandchildren that because of these sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, we have the opportunity to live in the strongest, freest and greatest country in the world.”
The keynote speaker at the event was Col. Ernest Garcia, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol. Garcia expressed gratitude toward the city’s expression of patriotism.
“I really appreciate how patriotic you guys are. It makes my hart warm,” Garcia said. “I want to also thank the audience, who didn’t necessarily serve in the military, but who were definitely there for us. We couldn’t do it without you, I know I couldn’t of served without the support of my family in friends.”