Honoring those who serve – and those who have served – in the United States military was a main point of business during the September 14 meeting of the Lebanon Town Council.
Along with Police Chief Eric Deskins, the council welcomed back Sgt. Nick Lane. Lane, a member of the National Guard, had spent the last year deployed in Africa.
He was stationed in Djibouti and later in Somalia.
“He was over there for a year, away from his family, in service of his country and he was proud to do it,” Deskins said. “He’s back with us now and we just want to recognize you. We’re glad to have you back and we appreciate your service.”
Deskins joked, “When he got back, I made a comment about how hot it was. Sgt. Lane quickly informed me that it was – in fact – not hot here. At night in that part of Africa, it would still be over 100 degrees at night.”
Later in the meeting, Mayor Tony Dodi said there used to be events hosted by various local organizations in honor of Veterans Day. “I haven’t seen anything going on that day,” he said.
Dodi said neighboring localities have Veterans Day events, and he asked Councilman Elijah Leonard to come up with some ideas. Leonard was selected as he is a veteran.
Leonard presented several ideas including a service at Veterans Park, school art contests, a breakfast for veterans, among others.
“I, myself, would be honored if the town did that,” Leonard said.
Dodi asked the council to consider Leonard’s suggestions. “Give thought to that as we move forward,” he said.
Veterans Day is November 11, 2027.
The council also heard from a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Ronnie Riddle said he was drafted in 1968 and sent to Vietnam. Riddle said the antiwar movement had so much hatred for the military that he and other soldiers were hidden from the general public as much as possible by officials at the Los Angeles airport.
He said the banners displaying the pictures and names of veterans that are currently displayed on Main Street have a special meaning for him. “This is the first time I’ve ever been recognized for what I did,” Riddle said.
He added, “This is my hometown and this is special. I love it here and I love each and every one of you.”
Lebanon Town Manager Drew Short informed the council that the latest group of banners have been received and will soon be displayed.