Pride abounds at Veterans ceremony

Georgetown residents packed themselves inside a white, weather-proof tent Friday, November 11, to participate in a special ceremony honoring United States military veterans as part of this year’s Field of Honor, hosted by the Rotary Club of Georgetown.

The 11 a.m. rain or shine event began with an invocation hymn entitled “Ever Faithful to the Call,” sung by a capella group Tonal Harmony. Emcee and Rotary Club President Cat Phelps then gave a brief history on the holiday.

“The history of Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918,” Ms. Phelps said. “A legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11, was dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day. As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

“In 1954, after having been through World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. congress, at the urging of veteran service organizations, amended the act of 1938 by striking out the word armistice and instead inserting the word veterans. With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.”

At exactly 11:11 a.m., a bell rang 11 times to remember and honor veterans, followed by a moment of silence.

Afterward, crowds listened to speeches by Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery, area veterans and keynote speaker Brigadier General Michael Adame, a retired veteran with 36 years of service.

“We thank veterans for their service, but really, we’re thanking you for the impact of your service, wherever you served, at home or abroad,” Mr. Adame said. “As a guardsman, I’ve been overseas and I’ve been here for humanitarian missions and hurricanes. I’ve seen the impact our soldiers have on our fellow citizens.”

Also during the ceremony, attendees gave a round of applause for all attending veterans, as well as their family members.

New York City firefighters attending because of the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget mobile exhibit — part of nonprofit Tunnel to Towers Foundation national outreach aiming to educate people about the September 11, 2001, attack at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon — earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

Other Friday festivities included a performance by the Sun City Sassy Ladies and the Patriots Celebration BBQ later that evening.