Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — At the soda fountain counter in Lyon's Corner Drug on Thursday, Henry Taylor sipped coffee with his granddaughter and sent his memory back to the Korean War.

"Dang, that was a long time ago," said Taylor, 71. "I can remember a lot of people that aren't with us anymore."

Taylor, retired and living in Hayden, was stationed in Texas during the war as an administrative officer with the Air Force.

"One of General LeMay's boys," he said, referring to Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, Air Force Combat Commander and Chief of Staff during the Korean War. Gen. LeMay is considered to be the architect of the Strategic Air Command.

Taylor said he never went overseas during his service, but he came close.

"I had orders to go to Japan, but they decided they didn't need me," he said. "So I didn't get a shot at it, thank God. I lost several friends."

Taylor's memories are some of many that will come to light today -- Veterans Day, the annual celebration and remembrance of America's military heroes.

At Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4264 in Steamboat on Thursday, Chris Eberle tended an empty bar just past 4 p.m. The secretary treasurer of the local Men's Auxiliary, an organization for individuals with relatives who served, Eberle said he has a great deal of pride for his grandfather, who served during World War II.

"The plain fact that he did something for his country makes him a hero," said Eberle, 34. "Not only is he a hero, but so are all the people who have gone to war. They made this country what it is today."

There are several local events to celebrate the county's veterans.

In Steamboat, the VFW post will host a breakfast -- with pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee and more -- from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Breakfast is free for all veterans.

Local American Legion commander Jim Stanko said that at about 10:30 a.m., a group of local post members will have a coffee hour with veterans at the Doak Walker Care Center at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

Those veterans celebrated the holiday with a pizza party Thursday night, Doak Walker officials said.

Also today, the Steamboat VFW post will host a Veterans Day dinner at 6:30 p.m. The event starts with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $11, and all veterans, auxiliary members and their guests are welcome.

In South Routt County, Amer--ican Legion Post 189 and Unit 189 will host their Veterans Day dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday at the legion hall in Yampa. All area veterans and their families are welcome. Dinner is potluck with the post and unit providing the meat and drinks. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish. Cash bingo will take place after the dinner.