Vienna celebrates Veterans Day
From left Liz Hamperian helps serve veteran James Bolinger lunch during the Vienna Veterans Day celebration Wednesday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Members of Carlin's Batttery D fire a cannon to recognize veterans Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Mayor Chad Emrick asks veterans to stand for recognition during Vienna's Veterans Day celebration Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left Liz Hamperian helps serve veteran James Bolinger lunch during the Vienna Veterans Day celebration Wednesday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Members of Carlin's Batttery D fire a cannon to recognize veterans Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Mayor Chad Emrick asks veterans to stand for recognition during Vienna's Veterans Day celebration Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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VIENNA -- Veterans, students and community members gathered Wednesday for Vienna's Veterans Day ceremony at the Vienna Community Center where Mayor Chad Emrick urged residents to carry their gratitude for military service beyond the annual observance.
Emrick, who served as master of ceremonies, said veterans are woven into the community as neighbors, friends and family members. He asked veterans in attendance to stand and be recognized for their service.
"We can never fully repay the debt that we owe our veterans, but we can honor that debt the way we live," Emrick said.
The Archibald Henderson Detachment 1087 of the Marine Corps League posted the colors, and Mikayla Morgan sang the national anthem. The Rev. Bill Dunfee, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Vienna, offered the opening prayer.
Cub Scout Pack 20, alongside pack leader Robert Clatworthy, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Jackson Middle School Select Choir performed, and Carlin's Battery D conducted the cannon ceremony.
During his remarks, Emrick said military service requires courage as well as a willingness to put others first, leave loved ones behind and answer a call without knowing what lies ahead.
He also recognized the sacrifices of military families, including spouses, children who missed birthdays and holidays with a parent, and parents who waited for their children to return safely.
In his prayer, Dunfee thanked veterans and their families and asked for support for those carrying physical, emotional or spiritual scars from their service. He also thanked those who organized the ceremony and prepared the meal.
Emrick said involving young people in the observance helps preserve an understanding of veterans' contributions.
"One of the most important things we can do is pass along the meaning of Veterans Day to our young people," he said. "It is encouraging to see students take time to honor those that have served."
Kristen Allodi, director of choral music at Jackson Middle School, said about 50 students were performing from a school choir program with more than 200 voices. She credited community support for the arts and veterans as part of what makes that participation possible.
The choir performed a medley of patriotic music, inviting the audience to stand and sing along during the final portion. The students later returned for a closing selection centered on peace.
The program also included a video tribute to veterans. Introducing it, Emrick recognized those who served during war and peace, both overseas and within the United States.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Emrick thanked the participating organizations, students, volunteers and veterans. He encouraged residents to listen to veterans' stories and teach children about their sacrifices.
"Take time to thank a veteran, to listen to their stories, to teach our children about their sacrifices, and never forget the price that has been paid for the freedoms that you and I enjoy," he said.