Morris mourns soldier

MORRIS — The soldier walked through the November darkness to Jerry Terando's door. The doorbell was rung. The eve of Veterans Day had brought news of great gravity.

"I turned on my porch light, and when a sergeant first class dressed in his greens is standing at attention, it means only one thing," Terando said.

The soldier informed the Morris father that his son, Sgt. Joshua Terando, was killed Thursday night while on patrol in Iraq. The U.S. Army sergeant, 27, was serving in the 1st/110th Infantry at Camp Habbaniyah.

"He was my son, my best friend," the father said. "We looked forward to him coming home and still do. He has always been my hero and is still my hero."

Joshua Terando was out of active service in 2001, but was called back in June. He had 18 months left in the reserves.

"He loved his country enough to go back and serve his country again," said his mother, Jeannie.

The sergeant's death was announced at a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday in Morris. American Legion Commander John Almer's voice cracked as he introduced Jerry Terando, himself a veteran, to share the news of his son's death.

Terando spoke of servicemen fighting for their country because of their love for the United States.

"It is a shame we give up the best and the bravest, but it's their choice, they love this country," he said.

After the Thursday night visit from the soldier, Veterans Day has taken on a new meaning for Jerry Terando and his wife.

"For me, Veterans Day is now November 10 at 8 p.m.," he said.

Remembering soldiers

Morris was the site of the Grundy County 2005 Veterans Day parade, from Chapin Park down Liberty Street to the courthouse.

The parade, organized by members of American Legion Post 294 and other service posts, was led by Morris police and the sheriff's department.

The event marked the 60th anniversary of World War II. The parade grand marshals, about 20 veterans from that war, rode on a trailer, waving and saluting the parade watchers in downtown Morris.

Boy Scout Troop 471 carried the American flag and was followed by other Girl and Boy Scouts carrying smaller flags provided by First Midwest Bank. Both the bank and Realty World gave away flags from parade trailers.

Families cheered along the curbs at the passing of the World War II veterans trailer and the car of the keynote speaker, Cmdr. Daniel Almer of the U.S. Navy Reserves. Daniel is the son of John Almer.

The crowd's applause competed with the music of the Morris Community High School Marching Redskins Band.

At the courthouse, Almer thanked America's World War II veterans.

"These are the folks who defended this country against Axis powers," he said.

Asking gentlemen to remove their hats, Almer introduced Elizabeth Coslet, accompanied by Jill Kopczick, who sang "Sing for America."

Audience members wiped their tears and saluted Jerry Terando as he returned to the color guard line, repositioning his gun for the upcoming gun salute.

The laying of the wreaths was performed by the American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Ladies of the VFW Post 6049.

Almer explained what being a veteran means.

"It comes down to people, those willing to give their lives for our freedom," he said.

Pointing to the honored World War II veterans sitting in front of the courthouse nodding at his words, he credited them for molding veterans to come.

"They've laid down the legacy of honor, commitment and courage of service for those armed forces to come," he said.

Joshua Terando

A moment of silence, dedicated especially to Joshua Terando, and the 21-gun salute helped close the Veterans Day ceremonies.

"We are very proud of the various service organizations that put this together," said veteran Elmo Younger. "We pray a successful conclusion will come in Iraq, to bring our boys home as soon as possible."

Joshua Terando is survived by his parents, a sister, Amanda Terando; a stepsister, Karen White; and two stepbrothers, Allen Borchert and Tony Mazza.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.