Back in November (The fog of war) I told you the story of Sonny Szejbach’s medal, and its long journey to reach him. Well, today’s the day.
The tent is up at the Amvets hall
The entire Township will tilt south as people make their way down to Elk Rapids for the big doings. The ceremony starts at 4:00 at the Amvets Post 114 hall. There will be speeches. There will be public officials. There will be representatives of public officials reading proclamations. There will be two retired Generals and quantities of veterans from Around Here and beyond. There will be many, many friends and neighbors. Finally, 43 years after he earned it, Clarence L. Szejbach will have his Distinguished Service Cross pinned to his chest.
He has been practicing saluting with his new prosthesis. It has been a long time since he has been in the habit of saluting.
Earlier this week a big tent went up in the parking lot. It’s full of long tables and chairs and a lectern for the speakers. But never fear. This is Antrim County. There can be no festivities without excellent treats.
OK, there will be speeches – but after the speeches there will be a good dinner, I promise.
After the speeches you can eat a good dinner. It will be a free-will offering fundraiser to support a an emergency shelter over in Gaylord for veterans whose lives have not worked out quite so well as Sonny’s. The free-will part means that you can come even if you don’t have any money, and it means you can, and should, give generously if you have a mind to.
I happen to know that the menu features brats, those excellent sausages beloved everywhere in Michigan. They will not be just any brats, but Sonny’s brats. He was making the last batch when I stopped by the Torch Lake Market for my lunch. Wait, wait, I said. You are making the dinner for your Big Day? Um, yes. Sonny is donating the brats to the fundraising dinner—500 of them, so you’d better come with a good appetite.
Now, see, these are interesting times. On the one hand I am invited to receptions to meet political candidates where I can have the privilege of donating to their campaigns. On the other I am invited to the celebration of Sonny’s medal where the honoree himself is providing the excellent treats in order to raise funds to help other veterans. Lessee, which one shall I do . . .
So. See you at the Amvets Post in Elk Rapids at 4 pm then.
Torch Lake Views 
shoreacres
June 9, 2012
I suppose I’ll have to forego the brats – drat. But I’ll be there in spirit. There will be photos, yes?
I see that’s the oldest AmVets hall in Michigan – established the year I was born (1946). That’s nice.
Gerry
June 9, 2012
There will definitely be photos. Thank you for reminding me to add a link to the Amvets Post ii4 website. I think the hall itself is of a bit more recent vintage, but the Post has the longevity record. Some of the members have been there since its founding in 1946.
uphilldowndale
June 9, 2012
Hurrah, Hurrah. Three cheers for Sonny, I feel very humble to read of such bravery. From this side of the world, have a magnificent party. I’ll raise a glass!
Gerry
June 9, 2012
Thank you ma’am. It was one heckuva party. Stories later. Must tell them to Miss Sadie and the Cowboy first, while we go for a good walk.
Dawn
June 9, 2012
Can’t wait for the stories. Congratulations to Sonny…a little (LOT) late. Sounds like a good man. The world can use a few more of those.
Gerry
June 9, 2012
He is and it can and as it happens I think we have a pretty good supply of them coming along. Today is one of those days that makes a person optimistic.
Heather
June 9, 2012
Sonny somehow reminds me of Bilbo celebrating his eleventy-first birthday. I hope the festivities lived up to his honor.
And now a question – how does one (correctly – I’m sure I can do it incorrectly) pronounce Sonny’s last name?
Gerry
June 10, 2012
The festivities were excellent, thank you. Sonny (SHAY-beck, with a soft sort of b) never reminds me of anyone but himself, but all the Hobbits over here on this side of the County hope that he and Chris remain with us another ‘leventy-one years–allowing for suitable time off in warmer places during the winter.
Amy Szejbach-Schichtel
June 10, 2012
You pronounce it Shy-back
Gerry
June 10, 2012
What Amy said!
Heather
June 10, 2012
Aha! Thank you. My background in Spanish had served me well until we moved up here where there are such treats at paczki and other things I have to look up online. Last name pronunciation guides, though, are not so easy to come by.
P.j. grath
June 10, 2012
Now I know what I’ll have for lunch the next time I’m over at Sonny’s Market. And if he’s around, I can congratulate him on his medal, too, and thank him for donating to help other veterans. What a guy!
Gerry
June 10, 2012
I’ll join you, but I’m going to have humble pie for dessert. Ah well.
Gail Davis
June 11, 2012
Sonny’s story reminded me of an old 1944 newspaper article from Morrice, Michigan, showing mom receiving dad’s Distinguished Service Cross (he was in a POW camp in Germany) that I ran across while going through treasured papers after she died. Dad never talked about the war or his medals. His focus was on family and his community. Michigan men are special. My thanks to Sonny for his service to his country and community.