Local veterans say the northern Clark County community’s annual Veterans Day weekend gathering is something they cherish.
On Saturday, Sept. 9, the North Clark County Historical Museum hosted the program, featuring a program with speakers from the local veteran community and musical performances from the Amboy Middle School Band.
During the event, 21 local veterans were called forward and recognized for their years of service. Among them was Elaine Fletcher, 104, a World War II veteran who received a bouquet of red, white and blue flowers from the organizers in honor of her contributions.
Fletcher served as an Army Corps nurse in the South Pacific for three years, one of tens of thousands who treated wounded soldiers during the war. Reflecting on her service, Fletcher noted that the experience was a profound turning point in her life.
“It was something that was so traumatic to the whole nation and … trying to get some conception of that. As a young person, it was really difficult because we had no previous experience [of] that sort of thing,” Fletcher said remembering the start of the United States’ involvement. “There was a real deep feeling of what was happening, in ways in which a citizen could participate.”
Fletcher was stationed on several islands during the war and served in the Philippines when the war ended. After serving as an army nurse, she earned a master’s degree and began a career in public health administration. Now a resident of the Hockinson area for nearly four decades, Fletcher continues to honor Veterans Day each year in Amboy.
She said she was grateful to be among those honored and found joy in seeing young community members attending the event and learning about veterans’ sacrifices.
“I think it’s rather unique, special and a very well-done [event] … What it has to mean to the community to recognize the importance of our service [and] needs, it’s encouraging, especially, when you have all ages participating,” Fletcher said about the event.
For other local veterans like Richard Langenvach, the recognition holds special meaning. Langenvach served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 30 years, starting in 1958 and rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. For him, Veterans Day is not just a time to be honored but to honor his own family members who continue to serve.
“It means a lot. I have a son in the army, a son in the Air Force. I have a grandson who’s a deepsea diver in the Navy,” Langenvach said.
Langenvach balanced his teaching career with his reserve duties, which was often challenging. He began his teaching career in Tumwater and later taught U.S. history at Amboy Middle School for 25 years. His dual careers sometimes required juggling, but Langenvach looks back on both with pride.
“We got paid every three months back in those days, and that’s how I bought my [college] books, and I worked for a Safeway up in Bellingham,” Langenvach said regarding the buildup to his career.
Although it was demanding to balance both careers, Langenvach said his years in the military and in the classroom were rewarding. As a testament to the impact he had in the classroom, he has had the honor of giving away two former students at their weddings, a memory he cherishes.
Reflecting on Veterans Day, Langenvach shared his sentiment for the personal sacrifices of those who serve.
“I just appreciate the women who serve our nation, and I give them all the credit I can,” he said.
