GOSHEN COUNTY – The Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) auditorium welcomed numerous students from Valley Christian School, as well as dozens of local community members and retired U.S. Veterans to recognize one prominent LaGrange resident, Doug Chamberlain.

A retired U.S. Marine, Vietnam Veteran and published author, Chamberlain spoke briefly before an attentive audience Friday afternoon with a soft, sincere speech remindful of the meaning of Veteran’s Day, and the history behind it.

“It’s exciting to see all these outstanding students here today,” Chamberlain began. “I hope this will be meaningful. As I thought about what I could say today that would be meaningful, I had to go back and think about what I could say, and hopefully this will be meaningful to you.” 

Chamberlain was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965, and served in Vietnam until being honorably discharged as a Captain. 

Chamberlain currently lives in LaGrange while continuing hold onto his Wyoming traditions and country values.

After reminding the audience of the immense loss of life and casualties of war with over two centuries of American history, Chamberlain spoke with a natural authenticity of what it means to be a Veteran in the U.S., and the ultimate sacrifice many have made to ensure the nation’s freedom.

“War has been on record since the earliest days of human contact,” Chamberlain began. “I’m always reminded that if wars were fought by old men and women, there wouldn’t be any. Why you may ask? Why would millions of Americans give their lives, and suffer mental and physical wounds in the last 248 years? How have the families coped with the uncertainties surrounding their loved ones?”

Chamberlain’s voice moved towards the younger members of the audience, as he delicately explained the harsh truths and unforgiving realities Veterans are forced to face long after their service has ended.

“I would suggest you look around at the people near you today, and you will see their reasons. It is to provide a difference, and assist humanity all over the world. What is a veteran? I emphasize Veterans, not Veteran. Personally the slang word Veteran is diminishing. I would suggest that a Veteran is a person with a strong basis of values. What we value most is our concern for others. War is about killing people and destroying things, and is just as horrible as the current events involving Ukraine, Gaza and Israel. War is not a video game where you can push a button and restart the game all over again. John Wayne once said that Veterans are courageous. Courage is being afraid, but saddling up anyway. Veterans have to know the true meaning of compassion, and understand that that compassion can lead to their death and the death of their comrades. Veterans strive to forget the unforgettable and forgive the unforgivable. Since the Vietnam war ended, the U.S. policy of drafted military personnel has ended. Prior to that time many veterans were drafted to serve involuntarily. Today all male American teenagers must register with selective service within 30 days of their eighteenth birthday, so the government can have a record of who they are, and where they are in case of a conflict. I am a Marine, and I thank God regularly for all the branches and all Veterans. Members of the Army are Doggies. Members of the Navy are Swabbies. The Air Force are Birdmen, and Marines are Jarheads. But, we are all veterans.”

The ceremony concluded with the honorary military tune of Taps, as the audience sat in respectful silence while attending Veterans stood in salute of the U.S. Flag.