Kevin Cederstrom
The meaning of Memorial Day has changed for Scott Myers. After serving in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard, Myers appreciates the little things much more now than he did before Iraq.
Myers shared some of his thoughts during the annual Memorial Day Program in New York Mills on Monday.
"The meaning of Memorial Day has changed for me from when I was a kid," Myers said. "Back when I was a kid growing up in southwest Minnesota, we looked at Memorial Day as a time to be with family... camping, fishing and enjoying the freedoms you veterans have allowed us to have."
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Myers recalled Monday how he remembers his grandpa always flew the flag, rain or shine. "That's something that's always stood out to me."
Myers joined the National Guard at 23, more for the benefits and to pay for college than anything else at the time. As a young man in the Guard, Myers said he didn't really think he'd have to go to war. The National Guard was to serve at home during natural disasters or search for missing persons.
As he spent more time with the Guard his sense of patriotism grew and he became less concerned about the benefits and more concerned about what the flag means. He re-enlisted and continues to get joy out of knowing he's part of something that which allows people to go out and enjoy their freedoms.
The little things we take for granted mean much more to him now. As his grandpa did, Myers flies the flag every day and makes sure it's lit up.
Myers delivered a heartfelt and moving speech on Monday, saying after his return from Iraq the song, "God Bless America" has special meaning. He admitted to getting choked up when he hears the patriotic song.
The 37-year-old Iraq War veteran from Ottertail often looked at and spoke directly to a group of NY Mills V.F.W. members seated in the first few rows.
"You veterans truly should be thanked," Myers said looking directly at the men who have served in previous wars. "That's why we're here today, is to honor you."
On his return from Iraq, Myers said he was amazed at the support he and his fellow soldiers received as they arrived at the airport. When he and the rest of the Wadena National Guard unit he served with came home to Minnesota their buses were escorted all the way from the Cities to Wadena. Each mile marker was designated for a family. As the soldiers passed by in the buses the families fell in line behind and the caravan continued west on Highway 10.
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Myers said there wasn't a dry eye on his bus when the soldiers saw veterans standing at attention in the streets, in the middle of December, in the cold and a foot of snow.
That kind of welcome home means the world, and Myers appreciates that kind of support.
"I know you veterans probably didn't get that when you came home," he told the local veterans. "You didn't get treated the way you should have."
He closed his portion of the Memorial Day program by again thanking the veterans who served before him.
"I'm so proud to be an American. Thank you."
