On this blusteryTuesdaymorning, which resulted in a last-minute venue change, the Town of Lovettsville hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony, honoring service members with plaques, banners, moments of silence and applause.Typically held at the town's Veterans Memorial, but moved to the council chambers due to the weather, the event included a presentation of the colors, welcome by Mayor Christopher Hornbaker, a wreath laying byMarine Corps League Post 1205 Chaplain Eddie Johnston, invocation by Lt. Col. Yul Songof the U.S. Army, key...
On this blusteryTuesdaymorning, which resulted in a last-minute venue change, the Town of Lovettsville hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony, honoring service members with plaques, banners, moments of silence and applause.
Typically held at the town's Veterans Memorial, but moved to the council chambers due to the weather, the event included a presentation of the colors, welcome by Mayor Christopher Hornbaker, a wreath laying byMarine Corps League Post 1205 Chaplain Eddie Johnston, invocation by Lt. Col. Yul Songof the U.S. Army, keynote address by RetiredChief Petty Officer Matthew L. Simmons of U.S. Coast Guard and remarks by Del. Geary Higgins (R-30), Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin),Stillwater Human Capital CEO and President David Willard and American Legion Post 1836 past Commander Nathaniel Fontaine.
Speakers focused on the history of Veterans Day, its significance,and the price that eachmember iscalledupon to pay.
“When we talk about the service of veterans, when you think about service, what does that mean?” Simmons said. “What do you think about when you think of the service of veterans? Is it someone standing in the dark, standing at a guard or at a post somewhere? Maybe it’s the worst-case scenario, they’re off in the heat of war, every day on edge and in harm’s way, months of deployments away from families. So, when you really stop and think of that, just think of those few examples of service, but there is so many, so many ways from the smallest thing of just logistically ordering ammunition. Maybe that’s my job and it seems like ‘oh all I did wasorder ammunition.’ Well, the folks at the front, they really appreciate it. They need it to defend themselves so it’s the butterfly effect. Every small task makes the whole machine work.”
“Today was originally named ArmisticeDayto remember the end of World War I and the signing of the armistice at 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11thmonth in 1918 and was first celebrated in 1919,” Higgins said. “After World War II and the Korean War, President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day to celebrate all American veterans of all wars. It is meant to honor those who serve, past and present, and thank them for the courage, sacrifice and dedication they have shown in protecting our country and our way of life. It goes without saying that sacrifice goes way beyond the veterans themselves to their family and friends.”
Higgins said it easy to take the country’s freedom for granted and forget what it takes to preserve that freedom.
“The things that we enjoy as a nation, we do not enjoy by accident or because somebody owes them to us. These freedoms, they were all bought and paid for at a great price. Look around his room and you can see who paid that price, a big price,” he said.
The ceremony included the addition of four new pavers at the Veterans Memorial at the Town Square. Those were dedicated toDaniel L. Jensen, Ronald L. Smallwood, Michael F. Boyles
And Patrick Stamas. Seven new names were also added to the town’s commemorative banners posted throughout the town. Those include Debra J. Zajic, Robert M. Ware Sr., John A. Payne Sr., Harvey A. Pearson Jr., John David Pearson, Rob Scott and Eddie Johnston.
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