ASHLAND — Veterans Day was celebrated with a bang in Ashland on Tuesday.
Amid the suddenly chilly, snow-swept weather, the Ashland American Legion Post 88 welcomed veterans and active-duty military personnel for its annual Veteran’s Day celebration.
The event included a speech by Post 88 Commander David Abbruzzese, a 21-gun salute by the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard, the playing of Taps and a meal prepared by the American Legion Auxiliary.
Post 88 Chaplain Don Earlenbaugh opened the ceremony with a prayer before Jane Roland sang the National Anthem.
“At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, that’s November 11, 1918, and that moment is widely regarded as the end of what was called the Great War,” Abbruzzese told the crowd. “It was called the Great War because people didn’t really think that they could have a war of that magnitude again. Unfortunately, they were wrong.”
Standing beside him were the Honor Guard men in uniform.
“Our veterans took on challenges that most people would avoid,” Abbruzzese said.” Our veterans face dangers that most people would run from, and our veterans shoulder burdens others might never understand.
“Military service leaves a lasting impression, shaping lives in ways civilians never fully comprehend.”
Abbruzzese said he could not remember how long the American Legion Post 88 has hosted the Veteran’s Day event, but that it has spanned decades for well over 30 years.
“George Orwell said, we sleep peacefully in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf. The freedoms that we hold dear did not come by chance: they were earned, preserved through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of those who answered the call to service.”
Post 88 Commander David Abbruzzese
“Behind every right we enjoy and every liberty we cherish stands a long, unbroken line of American veterans, men and women, who stepped forward in times of uncertainty and conflict to defend the ideals which this nation was founded,” he said.
Mayor Matt Miller also attended the event, after hosting his annual Mayor’s Veteran’s Day Breakfast.
“Here in Ashland County we’re very patriotic people when it comes to anything red, white and blue, and supporting our country or our veterans, our people turn out in great number,” Miller said.
After the speech, attendees headed outside to watch the Honor Guard fire a 21-gun salute on Claremont Avenue, which was briefly blocked off from traffic by the Ashland Police Department.
(Photos by Taylor Henninger)
Veterans Week is brought to you by Ralph Phillips VFW Post 291, Agent of VFW Ohio Charities. Join us in recognizing local heroes by submitting a tribute to a veteran in your life!
