Page 32 - November 2018

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he greets them at attention, as if Admiral Halsey were com- ing to inspect his gun. Sure, he has had a full life. But he’s still full of life.
D e-serving
When you get to be 93, every day is a celebration filled with appreciation. If there’s anything to be learned from Ogonowski’s distinguished life, it’s that he served without ex- pectation of appreciation or reward. You get what you earn.
He did earn a chance to visit the Missouri, which is now docked in Hawaii, in 2014. He wanted one last look, and American Airlines made Edwin’s wish come true by flying him there for a V-J Day celebration that provided well-earned closure to his military service.
“As I stood on the deck and took part in the commemora- tion, my heart pounded with joy in the realization that we veterans are still remembered with great enthusiasm and ad- miration,” he reiterates.
And with his service to both his country and his City, well, he has earned an opportunity to speak his mind. Ogonowski thought it fitting to honor veterans everywhere by standing up for the flag with his perspective on those who have been kneeling before it during the playing of the national anthem at NFL games.
“When I see these guys who want to kneel in front of the American flag, it kills me,” Edwin begins. “As old as I am, I can handle myself and I am so angry that I want to knock out these guys. All of the (NFL) owners should get together and tell them that if you don’t want to honor our flag, you cannot play ball. Go earn your money somewhere else. You wouldn’t
be able to make that money if it wasn’t for the guys fighting for you and losing their lives for you.”
Still, Ogonowski did not want to leave it at that. To the contrary, a man who has put in as much service as he has would only want to leave you with a salute. And here is Ogonowski’s:
“I’m very proud I served my country, very proud of the police force, very happy that we have an FOP union backing us up,” he acknowledges. “That’s what is most important.” d
32 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2017