Despite the cold weather, Athens residents flocked to Court Street on Saturday morning to honor veterans in the City of Athens’ Veterans Day celebrations.
The celebrations began with a parade down Court Street, which convened on College Green for a ceremony to celebrate those who have served.
“Veterans Day is a time to honor not only veterans, but their families, who have made sacrifices both big and small,” Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said during the ceremony that followed the parade. “We can never, ever repay them, but we can honor them.”
Many Athens residents brought children out to honor veterans, including Ginger Hartman, who brought her 3-year-old grandson, Wyatt Breeze, for his first Veterans Day celebration.
“He doesn’t really know what it’s all about, so I’m showing him how to be grateful for veterans and their sacrifices,” Hartman said.
Many veterans attended, including Jerry Sullivan, who served in the Army from 1968-1969.
“The celebration is a great opportunity to get involved and see new and old friends,” Sullivan said. “(The celebration) is about the veterans who aren’t here.”
The parade and ceremony included musical selections from the Athens, Alexander and Federal Hocking high school bands. Other floats in the parade included various veterans associations.
After the parade concluded at College Green — on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — the ceremony began with music from the Athens High School Band. State Rep. Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, led a moment of silence and wreath placement to commence the ceremony. Joann Wolfe lead the national anthem, which was followed by the introduction of local veterans organizations commanders.
There was also a float competition, which the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council float won.
Lt. Col. Brook Lee, a professor of military science at Ohio University, delivered the Veterans Day address.
“For every single man and woman who has donned the U.S. military uniform, by virtue of their service and sacrifice, today is your day to stand tall and be recognized.” Lee said. “So, today, and every day we must keep alive the memories, the sacrifices and accomplishments of our nation’s veterans.”
Joe DePalma, an Athens resident and Army veteran, enjoyed seeing Athens honor veterans.
“I never went into the military looking to be honored,” DePalma said. “I just think it’s really great that the community comes together to celebrate veterans.”
