Veterans Honored, Remembered at Ankeny American Legion Ceremony

Area residents took a moment Friday to remember the veterans who dedicated their lives to ensure freedom for America.

The Ankeny American Legion Albaugh-McGovern Post No. 42 held its annual Veteran's Day program this morning at . American Legion members, other veterans and Mill Pond residents packed into the center’s cafeteria to honor those who served our country.

“If it wasn’t for veterans, our lives would be very different than they are now,” said Paul Meyer, an Ankeny resident and chaplain for the American Legion. “(Today) is about being thankful for the freedoms we have.”

The program featured an opening and closing prayer from Pastor Dan Sanford of the , as well as music by JoAnn and Keith Carlson.

Jean Pfantz, another member of the Ankeny American Legion, read a poem to those who gathered for the program. The poem was about giving veterans the recognition they deserved.

“I thought it would be appropriate for today,” said Pfantz, who also lives in Ankeny.

Pfantz served in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator from 1960 to 1963 during the Vietnam War.  The military ran in her family – both her father and her brother served in the Navy.

“I knew from the time I was 12 years old,” said Pfantz about when she decided the military would become a part of her future.

Pfantz typically honors Veteran’s Day by attending the American Legion’s program. She said the day also helps younger generations learn the importance of understanding the kinds of sacrifices veterans made for them.

“Sometimes if they haven’t been in the service, they’re disconnected from it,” she said. “This really helps them become more aware.”

Meyer also served in the Navy from October 1950 to July 1954. For a majority of his military career, he was a court reporter stationed on a carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

Meyer shared stories of his time on the carrier, including one where the ship’s chaplain brought an infant on board that he rescued from a Korean orphanage. The story was chronicled in a movie entitled “1,000 Men and a Baby,” Meyer said.

Veteran’s Day is a special time for Meyer.

“It makes me think of the ones that didn’t come back,” he said. “It is special to me.”

Meyer had big plans for his Veteran’s Day. Aside from attending ’s free breakfast for veterans earlier this morning, he’s also excited for tonight.

“I’m going to celebrate by going to Iowa State for some women’s basketball,” he said. “I’m hoping to see a victory.”