ALTUS—Scattered through the Altus Cemetery are American flags placed strategically on the gravesites of numerous men and women who gave their time for America. The gravesites are of people who fought for the various freedoms we take for granted each day. These people, as well as others, are being honored today and every year on Nov. 11 for the sacrifices they gave to our country. They are our veterans.

On Wednesday, members of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 4876 set out to pay tribute to fallen veterans by placing American flags on their gravesites. VFW Post Chaplain Daniel Phenix says that the event is special because he is able to remember fellow soldiers.

“At times it is heart rendering,” he said. “I am reminded of my fallen comrades in Vietnam, it brings a tear to my eye.”

Phenix has been a member of the VFW for several years. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1985. His wife Rosa is a member of the VFW Post 4876 Ladies Auxiliary and he feels that they should be honored as well.

“The ladies auxiliary should be honored because they served as much as the men did,” Phenix said.

Today is about giving to all those who have contributed to the United States military. There was a special luncheon and ceremony held to honor veterans. The ceremony took place at the War Memorial, located in front of the Museum of the Western Prairie.

At the ceremony, the flag was lowered. The Altus Air Force Base Honor Guard was there and a 21-gun salute was performed. The song “Taps” was played and prayer was to be led by Buddy Dugan. Sirens sounded at 11 a.m.

After the ceremony, everyone was invited to a lunch at the VFW. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Altus Air Force Base Wing Commander Col. Dewey Everhart II was the guest speaker.

VFW Commander Ron Gignac, says that the event is held every year and that it usually goes well because of the great community and base relations the chapter has. He says that Veterans Day and Memorial Day are times he reflects. Gignac spent 31 years of his life in military service.

“On Veterans Day and Memorial Day you reflect on lost comrades,” Gignac said. “It pays tribute to our flag. Anything that does that is heartwarming to me.”