KELLOGG — Respect and dignity were the subjects of Retired Army National Guard Maj. Andrew Whipple’s message at the Silver Valley Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony on Monday morning.  

“I hear a word that I wish would be removed, and it’s the word just,” Whipple said. “I hear a lot of people say, I was just in the Guard, or I was just in the bowels of a ship, I was just a refueler, I was just a mechanic. We need to eliminate that just. You need to feel pride in your duty.”  

Whipple’s message was directed squarely at the veterans in attendance to be proud of what they did, what they accomplished, no matter how significant they may perceive it. It doesn't matter if they were active duty, reserve, in peacetime or wartime.  

“There’s no such thing as just. ... You’re a veteran,” Whipple said. “Take pride in being a veteran.”  

Whipple’s message then pivoted to a more serious tone that included reflection on his own experiences.  

“Pride can be good, and pride can be bad,” Whipple said. “Sometimes as veterans, especially when we were leaders or in a leadership role, we have so much pride that when we get back, we’re too prideful to get help.” 

Whipple recounted the days after he returned from Iraq in 2005 when he went from being an active-duty combat engineer officer to a high school teacher in a matter of days, something he openly regrets. 

“I should’ve taken some time off,” Whipple said. “I should’ve gotten some help. So, if you are a veteran, it’s good to have pride in your service. Less than 1% serve. But that other pride, if you need to get help, do it. We have a lot of veterans with a lot of issues. Don’t be prideful and think you handle them on your own. Be the best you can be.”  

The ceremony wrapped up with the firing of the memorial’s Howitzer cannon, much to the delight of the crowd that had gathered in the rain.