Monday marked the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, what people in 1918 called the “war to end all wars.” From the vantage point looking back from 2018, we know that conflict did not end all wars, but it was a bloody engagement that cost tens of millions of people their lives.
Fishers Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren gave remarks. (Photo provided)
The City of Fishers may not have any World War I vets left, but there are plenty of other military veterans that filled the City Hall auditorium Monday morning as the local observance of Veterans Day happened with lots of local officials on hand.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness had a busy week recently and found a note on his calendar at the end of the week to visit Allisonville Meadows. Although the mayor was tired from a busy week of traveling, he decided to honor the commitment and found a room full of aging military veterans. As he greeted each vet, one had trouble walking but found his way to the mayor and told him, “Thank you, sir. You really didn’t have to do this.”
Fadness explained it was a moment when a politician is “absolutely leveled and humbled” by the veteran’s comment.
“Here I am, handing out a simple certificate, that says we recognize what you’ve done, and simply saying thank you, and he’s embarrassed for the recognition,” Fadness told the crowd. “Just something about that stuck with me that is truly humbling for us elected officials.”
Both Fishers Deputy Mayors Elliott Hultgren and Leah McGrath gave remarks during the event. El Ahlwardt, a Navy veteran, handled the duties as Master of Ceremonies.
The Fishers Junior High School Choir provided the music.