Honoring our heroes

On Wednesday, Nov. 11 people across America honored those who have served in the armed forces for Veterans Day. In Adams County, veterans and members of local American Legions, Ladies Auxiliaries, VFW Posts, the Adams County Honor Guard, and visitors gathered on the lawn of the Adams County Courthouse for the annual parade and ceremony.

First Sergeant and Vietnam veteran George Biely served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

PFC Andy Bell, a 1987 graduate of North Adams High School gave the opening and closing prayers.

Sergeant Richard Bell, Army Special Forces was the guest speaker for the event.

Bell spoke of the need to reawaken the American people’s sense of patriotism.

“I was raised going to veterans’ parades, and I was taught to respect our flag,” he told the crowd. “Patriotism doesn’t just happen, it must be promoted and defended, and passed down to our children, we must all be willing to stand for the cause of freedom.” Bell served in the first Iraq War.

The Adams County Liberty Band performed for the event and J.J. Whitley played the always solemn “Taps” at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day when the world celebrated the end of WWI, which occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

On May 26, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law naming Armistice Day a national holiday for all veterans, and Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, renaming the holiday “Veterans Day”.

The People’s Defender salutes all who served and were honored on this special day of the year.

While other veterans stood at salute, J.J. Whitley solemly played “Taps” as part of the Veterans Day program on the courthouse square.

https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Vets1.jpgWhile other veterans stood at salute, J.J. Whitley solemly played “Taps” as part of the Veterans Day program on the courthouse square. Mark Carpenter | People’s Defender

Richard Bell was the keynote speaker at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day program on the courthouse square in West Union. Bell spoke of patriotism, valor, and the importance of the United States flag.

https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Vets2.jpgRichard Bell was the keynote speaker at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day program on the courthouse square in West Union. Bell spoke of patriotism, valor, and the importance of the United States flag. Mark Carpenter | People’s Defender

The Veterans Day parade down Main Street in West Union was a celebration for all generations, as veteran Robert Lewis marched the parade route, accompanied by his granddaughters Addison and Chesnee Ayres.

https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Vet3.jpgThe Veterans Day parade down Main Street in West Union was a celebration for all generations, as veteran Robert Lewis marched the parade route, accompanied by his granddaughters Addison and Chesnee Ayres. Mark Carpenter | People’s Defender