Veteran's Day in the NEK

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Created on Thursday, 12 November 2015 20:48

Written by Dan Reynolds

NORTHEAST KINGDOM – Despite overcast weather, community members from all over the Northeast Kingdom came out to celebrate Veteran's Day. The day brought together people who served our country as well as community members who support them.

In Lyndon, Veterans gathered in Lyndon State College's Veteran's Park to celebrate staff and student service members. The annual event featured the national anthem; a Veteran's Day speech read by club president Heather Morris, and the unveiling of the new plaque displayed on the Wall of Honor. The Wall now features a bronze plaque and the names of 75 student, staff, and alumni Veterans. The Wall is a hallmark in the Veteran's club and recognizes the men and women at Lyndon State College who have risked their lives fighting for the United States.

"It's a recognition of the sacrifice Veterans have made, and for the sacrifices that alumni and staff have made," Mark Hoffman, a Lyndon State College alumni and U.S. Army Veteran who served for 27 years between 1977 and 2004, said. "That's what the park represents, that you have made a difference. The school is giving us an opportunity to continue to serve, and that's just who we are."

There were also several luncheons held for Veterans around the Northeast Kingdom. In Peacham, Elementary School students were given the opportunity to sit down and eat their lunch with Veterans in their community. Likewise, in St. Johnsbury, the Health and Rehabilitation Center held a lunch for Veterans that included some service foods.

Also in St. Johnsbury, there wasn't enough rain to cancel out the annual Veteran's Day parade. Despite the weather, community members and Veteran's alike came out to show their support and watch, as Veteran's marched from the Father Lively Center to the St. Johnsbury American Legion.

"I like to see it, I think it's great. I was surprised when I came down Main Street at how many people had turned out." Reginald Guertin, a 26 year service Veteran and Quartermaster for the St. Johnsbury Veterans of Foreign Wars, said. "I figured bad weather, you don't see many people out on the street, but it was very nice to see people outside today, it gives you a good feeling."