Farmers Weekly Review

 

Leonard Seltzer shows pictures from his time in service. He was among the local veterans celebrated at Manhattan’s second “I Honor” ceremony on May 25. (Photo bt Stephanie Irvine)

 

By Stephanie Irvine

 

There was no shortage of veterans to honor at the “I Honor” Hometown Heroes banner ceremony on May 25 — many attended in uniform for the event alongside their families and loved ones.

This is Manhattan’s second “I Honor” ceremony, which is held at the Manhattan Township Building and brought to the community by the Village of Manhattan and the Manhattan American Legion.

The Hometown Heroes banner program honors local veterans with banners erected on light poles throughout town.

John Kestel welcomed visitors, and Dave Kestel read a Memorial Day poem.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen addressed those present, noting that the program is an important one for the community.

“These banners are more than just fabric hanging on a pole — they’re a symbol of gratitude, a reminder of sacrifice, and a public tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country,” Adrieansen said,adding that Manhattan is a community that remembers.

“When we drive through town and see these names and faces of our local heroes, we are reminded that freedom isn’t free. It is earned through courage, commitment, and selflessness.”

Deacon Milt Leppert of St. George’s Church — a resident of Manhattan and a military chaplain — delivered a somber, moving speech that left a lasting impact on those present before blessing the veterans and the service.

He honored both veterans living, but specifically those who made the ultimate sacrifice, encouraging those in attendance to remember why Memorial Day exists.

Veterans, their families and loved ones, and members of the Manhattan American Legion packed Manhattan Township Hall for the ceremony, which allowed for a time during which loved ones could share memories and stories about the honored veterans.

Elaine Bensema expressed her pride in her husband, Don, and became emotional when sharing his service in the Army during Vietnam. He and his brother did their duties and served until their tours were completed.

“We had too much fun getting into trouble together,” Don quipped about getting out.

Army veteran Lisa McGlassen, recently appointed as the Post Adjutant and also on the Veterans Assistance Commission for Will County, offered some words to honor both those who did not return from war and those who did.

“Those folks who signed that blank check who went in the military, they may not have come back, but many of them are in this room today, and they did come back. We’d like to honor them along with those who were unable to join today,” McGlassen said.

McGlassen read the names of the 18 veterans whose banners are displayed throughout town: Kenneth Sobbe II, Leonard Seltzer, James Tromp, Don Honeycutt, Harry Budd, Donald Tures, Glen Gill, James R. Patterson, William Leadingham, Edward Ludwig, Cecil F. Surdey, Walter Frick, Don Bensema, James Baskerville, Allen Kwiatkowski, James Fellers, Anthony Kestel, and Lloyd Brandau.

Helene Seltzer spoke briefly to honor her husband, Leonard, commemorating his service during Vietnam, noting with pride that he wasn’t drafted, but rather enlisted to serve his country.

Later, Leonard shared pictures and told of how his military service began in 1963 in Fort Knox, Kentucky, for basic training, followed by electronics school, and then orders to Korea.

He endured a 21-day journey by sea on the USS General William Mitchell troopship, which went from California to Korea with stops in between. There were 5,000 men on the boat, with many getting off as they each reached their destinations.

“The next stop was Okinawa, and three days out, we get in a tropical storm, a typhoon. That was interesting,” Seltzer humbly said of the harrowing journey.

Seltzer wasn’t the only Vietnam veteran present.

James “Jim” Baskerville, an Army veteran who served from 1965 to 1967, attended the ceremony with his family.

“It’s good to see the town has acknowledged him for serving his country. It’s nice for them to do that,” Luke Baskerville, one of James Baskerville’s sons, said of the program.

Jim Baskerville told of how he and other Post members worked to get the statue of Abraham Lincoln erected at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

“We’re honored to have it, and glad that the Village started this program,” John Baskerville added.

Kathy McCollum, along with her siblings, purchased a banner honoring their late father, James Patterson, who served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. The banner is a nice way to remember her father and his service, McCollum explained.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Post Commander Robert Angone thanked everyone for their attendance and welcomed all the veterans and family members present to get involved in the local Post.

McGlassen said they want to be known as a family-friendly Post with a mission of helping veterans, calling attention to the fact that the Manhattan Post isn’t attached to a bar and doesn’t revolve around alcohol, which is a contributing factor to veteran suicide.

“We’re talking about everybody helping veterans, and that includes all of us, no matter what part we play in that community coming together to help those folks that did sign that blank check,” McGlassen added.

“We’re trying to get it where veterans help veterans. I’d like to help get that accomplished,” Angone said.

He also serves on the VAC and wants to see the Post grow, as well as create an environment of veterans helping one another.

Hometown Heroes banners will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day in November.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

John Kestel welcomes the crowd, as Mayor Mike Adrieansen looks on. (Photos by Stephanie Irvine)

Leonard Seltzer’s banner is displayed on Route 52 just south of Foxford Drive.

 

Leonard Seltzer shows a photo taken in 1965 of him with fellow servicemen Eugene Burke and Bill McGloughlin.

Elaine Bensema speaks about her husband Don’s service, whose banner is displayed in the village.

Veterans Jim Baskerville and Leonard Seltzer listen during the Hometown Heroes banner ceremony.