The community comes together to celebrate those who have stepped forward to protect the freedoms that all Americans enjoy.
The city of Temple is holding a Veterans Day ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Santa Fe Plaza at 315 W. Ave. B. The event is free and open to the public.
Veterans Day is officially recognized on Monday, November 11, as a day for people across the country to honor veterans for their service throughout the nation’s history.
“The City of Temple is honored to host our annual Veterans Day ceremony, a time for our community to come together in gratitude for the sacrifices made by our brave veterans,” said Temple City Manager Bryn Myers. “Their courage, dedication and service have shaped our nation, and it is our privilege to recognize and celebrate them.”
Veterans Day coincides with the end of World War I with an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany beginning at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
The signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919 officially signaled the end of the First World War.
Guest speakers Friday included Myers, Temple Police Chaplain Elwin Johnston, Temple Police Chief Sean Reynolds, 1st Medical Brigade Commander Col. Werner Barden and Temple Mayor Tim Davis.
The Temple Independent School District Choir will perform a selection of patriotic songs as the community comes together to commemorate the event.
Commander John Potts of the American Legion Post #133 in Temple said he was proud to attend the event to support fellow veterans.
“I come to visit (others) and let them know we’re there for them as a veterans organization,” Potts said. “(The event) is a thank you, that’s it.”
By james art 