Walters, Mayor speak at Veterans Day Ceremony

By Jared Raney
Reporter

This year’s Veterans Day ceremony outside the courthouse became more than a celebration honoring those who served; it was also a learning opportunity for junior high students from Nativity Catholic School.

The event speaker, Tammy Walters, Oneida County Veterans Service Officer, encouraged students during her address to embrace the narrowing opportunities to hear from older veterans that won’t be around forever.

“I hope when you get a chance to visit with a veteran, you really listen to them and listen to what they have to say,” Walters said. “Soon, we would never have the honor and privilege of hearing about history from the men and women who made history.”

Nativity middle school students sang the national anthem and ‘America the Beautiful’ for the assembly of veterans, and after the ceremony was over, spent time mingling with and hearing from the veterans.

“I think a lot of people take their freedom for granted,” Walters said during her address. “The sacrifices veterans have made could never be understood to those who haven’t walked in their boots… these are the people who sacrificed everything to serve their country without regard for their own lives. They proudly defended their country when their country called. Thank you veterans for your loyalty, dedication and service to our country.”

“It is now only fitting that we take this time to reflect, consider and thank those who now or at some point in their lives have worn the uniform… and hold them in the highest regard, not only today as we gather here; but every day and in every way.”
Mayor Dick Johns

https://youtu.be/25502jks8JM