By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
– Elmer Davis, radio announcer/commentator, 1890–1958

Bravery is on display in the Audubon Clubhouse at Tallgrass Creek.

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, memorabilia of residents who served is highlighted in glass cases. Photographs, medals, patches, and flags tell stories of young men who were taken far away from home to fight battles, sail seas, and protect freedom.

Hugh McCreery was the main organizer of the display. He spent several months photographing and recording residents’ memorabilia.

"People don’t realize what we have in this country," McCreery says, standing in front of the case.

Most of the Tallgrass Creek veterans served in World War II or the Korean War. McCreery served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was aboard the USS Beatty from October 1951 to April 1952. The ship did patrol and blockade duty off the coast of Korea. McCreery was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for taking a crew into a harbor where they were fired upon by the enemy. During his time on the ship, McCreery traveled more than 60,000 miles and went around the world. The destroyer traveled through both the Panama and Suez canals and visited places as varied as Saudi Arabia and Cannes, France.

"I have good memories," he says. "It was a wonderful experience."