White carnations were presented to anyone with a relative or friend currently serving in the military.
“Thanks to all those who serve and have served and also those waiting at home,” Mayor Kevin McKeehan said in his remarks.
McKeehan said he wanted to give a little history of the holiday, noting that it started after World War I as Armistice Day recognizing the signing of the armistice ending that war on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. He noted Armistice Day was made a national holiday in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 following World War II.
Cadets from the Miami University Air Force ROTC program served as color guard in posting of the colors to open the ceremony, while Steve Baker sang the national anthem and students in the Parks and Recreation Department Preschool Class led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Phillip Carr, a veteran of the U.S. Army, represented the Miami University Student Veterans of America in speaking as both a student and a veteran. He praised the local community for its support of veterans and offered his own appreciation of those who have served, speaking as one who experienced that life.
“Thanks to veterans for their service and sacrifice, for the sleepless nights worrying about things at home,” Carr said. “It is my honor and privilege to work with a wide range of people from all branches of the service. Coming from the regimented life the military provides to college life is a huge, huge change.”
In his comments, Carr also wished a happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, which had marked the anniversary of its founding Nov. 10 and also paid tribute to the increasing service of women to the military.
“The face of veterans is changing. Fifteen percent of the military is females. Women are becoming more involved in combat specialties,” he said.
Also speaking was Lauri Morgan, president of the Talawanda High School Key Club, who also thanked veterans for their service and sacrifices, noting they “fought bravely under a great amount of stress.”
Jim Haley, a veteran and a member of the Oxford Rotary Club, closed the program.
“Our flag is a symbol of we, the people. It’s us. Service people serve to honor we, the people,” Haley said. “As a veteran of 29 years of service, I understand what the flag means to people today.”
As an example, he cited the large number of people displaying flags on homes and cars following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Gregg Wentzell played “Taps” in memory of veterans’ service.
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