Lyon County Veterans Services Officer Heidi Fier spoke about the meaning of patriotism, and the bonds veterans share, during a community Veterans Day program held Saturday in Marshall.

MARSHALL — Veterans all have their own experiences and stories – but they share an important bond with each other, said Lyon County Veterans Services Officer Heidi Fier.

“Veterans Day is much like a family reunion. Former and current military members come together and share stories, even if they are strangers,” Fier said. “The stories are much the same, and the camaraderie is strong. And the tears and the laughter are very real.”

Marshall area residents observed Veterans Day with a short program Saturday morning at the Adult Community Center. The program included patriotic music, readings of poems, and a keynote talk by Fier.

Fier is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, with more than 20 years of service.

After moving southwest Minnesota, “It has been great to get to know a lot of veterans,” Fier said.

“All of you veterans who have served and put on the uniform of the military, I thank you today for all your service, in whatever role you took. Thank you very much for your service,” Fier said.

In her speech, Fier reflected on the meaning of patriotism, and how military veterans continue to show it.

“I am a proud American,” Fier said. “I was born an American, however that doesn’t make me an American. What does make me an American is my pride in America – its people, its ideals, its principles, freedoms, all its opportunities and so much more.”

Fier said entering into military life was a journey that all veterans had shared. While every service member had their own reasons for joining the military, they all formed bonds and became brothers and sisters in uniform, Fier said.

“Everybody has a different story to tell. And everybody’s outcome is different, but we all share that camaraderie which can never be shared by those who have not worn the uniform and answered that call of duty,” she said.

“Some veterans had combat roles, while others had support roles. But we were all a team with one purpose, and that was to protect our loved ones at home, our nation and all it stands for,” Fier said.

Fier said veterans also shared the experience of going back to the “unfamiliar yet familiar territory” of returning to civilian life. Veterans’ experiences gave them a new perspective on what patriotism really meant, Fier said.

“Veterans are patriots. But patriotism cannot be taught. It must be felt,” she said. “Patriotism is measured in love for what you believe in, love for those around you, love and humility for yourself. A patriot gives. He or she doesn’t take, and they serve in whatever manner they can to continue to make this country great.”

Fier said all Americans share the responsibility to defend freedom. She said we can do that through actions like volunteering in our communities, or teaching children what it means to be American. “If we want to preserve our freedoms, we much put them into action,” she said.