‘What does it mean to serve your country?’ asks American Legion Post 88 commander

ASHLAND — Dave Abbruzzese served in the United States Air Force from 1991 to 1999 near the tail end of Operation Desert Storm.

Abbruzzese, commander of American Legion Harry Higgins Post 88, asked an open-ended question to those in attendance Wednesday at the Veterans Day service, which took place shortly after the 8th annual Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast.

“What does it mean to serve your country?” he asked. “Is it just wearing a uniform? Is it just taking an oath? Or is it leaving your family, your home and everything familiar behind you?

“It’s all those things but it’s also much deeper. It’s a willingness to put something greater than yourself and of your own comfort … your own safety and sometimes even your own life. And that is exactly what the men and women we honor today have done.”

Wednesday’s service also included an invocation from Don Earlenbaugh, Post 88 chaplain. Jane Roland sang the national anthem and Abbruzzese returned to the podium for further remarks.

The post commander said each generation of veterans has its own challenges.

“Some of us served in combat. Some served at sea. Some served in the skies,” Abbruzzese said. “Some were at bases, hospitals, behind desks and countless other assignments that kept our military strong.

“Different assignments. Different experiences. Different generations. But one thing that connects every veteran is you took an oath, accepted the responsibility and you served something greater than yourself.”

He encouraged folks to dig deep and think about what each veterans’ uniform cost them — the missed holidays, birthdays and anniversaries and the friends who never made it home.

“Those sacrifices cannot be measured by ribbons, medals or certificates,” Abbruzzese said. “They’re sacrifices that deserve a lifetime of gratitude.

“And so to families who stood behind those veterans and prayed, waited, worried and sacrificed, we recognize you today, too. Military service is never carried by just one person.

“The families also served in their own way and sacrificed in their own way,” he said.

After Earlenbaugh’s benediction, the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard closed with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps on the front lawn. The American Legion Auxiliary also prepared and served a meal.

Below are more photos from the Wednesday morning Veterans Day service at the American Legion Harry Higgins Post 88. (Credit: Hayden Gray)