On Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., Lakewood Park held its annual Veterans Day ceremony to honor the service and sacrifices of all men and women who have protected and upheld the country. During the event, Mayor Meghan George spoke about her gratitude. She said, “As mayor, I’m lucky enough to have a role in speaking at this event, and very happy that we are able to provide this event, working with the veterans to have this annual event here in Lakewood.”
This event symbolized the community’s support for all service members, and George expressed her gratitude for the community’s support of veterans. It also served as an opportunity for her and other speakers to give back to veterans. George said, “One of the speakers here today spoke about some of the resources we offer that are available to veterans, veterans in need.” The ceremony demonstrated that members of the Lakewood community and the military community wish to honor and serve those who protect national security. Later in the event, there was a gun salute followed by a performance of “Taps,” a well-known military anthem played on the trumpet. This mournful bugle call is known for its emotional impact on listeners.
After the performance, there was an open camaraderie, accompanied by free food and artwork made by elementary students to show their support for the veterans. George hopes that those in attendance learned from the ceremony. “We should respect the veterans for their service, for their sacrifice to our country, and we owe a great deal to them for all the freedoms that we have,” George said.
This idea, which holds great significance, underscores the service of veterans. David Stack, who attended the event, said, “It brings a lot of the folks that are involved with some of the groups I’m involved with together, and we can celebrate each other and some of those who didn’t make it back. It’s something that really gets veterans, gives them a feeling of belonging.” Stack is a highly involved veteran in the community, providing much of his time and effort to its improvement. He wants to not only help the community for himself, but he also wishes to set an example for younger generations.
Stack said, “I think that getting into the service is something that’s important for people, and it’s a tough decision for individuals to make. There’s a lot of things people can do to serve their family and their community. Being in the Armed Forces is one of them.”
He and the colonel who spoke at the event have provided for the veteran community, helping fellow veterans who need support. “The colonel that we had today. I think that he was very inspirational, talking about getting involved, even in a small way, and giving me a great help. I ran into him at our Catholic war veterans group,” Stack said. “And then, by accident, at sister Rita May at St Paul, he decided he wanted to volunteer there and he helped her refugee program. And that has nothing to do with military service.” Stack himself left an impact on the young colonel, inspiring him to serve those who once provided their services and give back to those who preserve America’s freedoms and liberties.
Concluding the ceremony, retired Master Sgt. Bill Franklin of the U.S. Air Force shared how serving shaped him as a person. Franklin said, “It taught me a lot about life. It provided me discipline, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Taking care of people and serving our great nation—now as a veteran—I do a volunteer thing where I have the opportunity to narrate Air Force retirement ceremonies. But it’s a very important day in a military member’s life when he or she retires.” Franklin offered insight into what it means to be a veteran and how service influenced him personally, noting that he still does service related to the armed forces.
He also expressed excitement and gratitude about the event. “This is awesome. It was great to hear the speeches, and nice to see everybody come out—and that gun salute, wow,” Franklin said. The event was a moment that will stay with Franklin, a celebration and honor not only for him but for all veterans in attendance, both those present and those being remembered for their sacrifices.
He also eagerly encouraged others to consider joining. “Do it. Do it. It will build relationships. I happened to go to basic training with a guy I had never met before. Then we went to the same tech school because we were the same tech career field. We got the same first assignment, and we worked in the same duty section. So this guy’s a lifelong friend of mine,” Franklin said. He believes that for anyone considering joining, taking the initiative could forever change their lives.
The Veterans Day event was a touching experience that strengthened the connection and increased respect for all those who have served the United States, whether alive or deceased. It is important to remember to take a moment to thank those who have served. They are some of the strongest and most resilient people in the world.
