The Christy Rock VFW Post 2782 and the Norwich American Legion Post 189 held a Veterans Day service in East Park featuring bagpipes by Steve Cady, Guest Speaker Laura Parker, Esq., a firearm salute by the Honor Guard, a wreath salute ceremony, and more. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — A service honoring veterans was held in Norwich's East Park on Monday, November 11, Veterans Day, marking the 106th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Hosted by the Christy Rock VFW Post 2782 and the Norwich American Legion Post 189, the service opened with a bagpipe performance by Steve Cady. Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Lt. Frank Revoir, Sr. served as the master of ceremonies.

"What is Veterans Day? This day has been set aside to thank and honor all those who served and/or are serving honorably in the military, in both war and peace time," said Revoir. "We thank the living veterans for their service to acknowledge their contributions for our national security, and to underscore that those who served and died have sacrificed and done their duty."

The service included the Pledge of Allegiance led by Marley and Madison Thompson, a performance of the National Anthem sung by Amelia Casscles, an Honor Guard firearm salute, and a performance of "Taps" played on the trumpet.

VFW Post 2782 Chaplain, Pastor Lex Danyluk, gave the invocation and benediction.

"Heavenly Father, we ask that you be with us today as we celebrate Veterans Day. You gave us the bravest, the strongest, and the most courageous men and women to defend our great nation; those who have served, those who are currently serving, and those who gave the most ultimate sacrifice," said Danyluk. "We gather here today to honor and remember our military and to acknowledge that, because of their service, we are able to walk in freedom and in safety."

Local veterans and civic organization personnel honored veterans with a wreath salute ceremony. Wreaths placed in front of the stage in East Park honored and recognized veterans of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the War on Global Terror, Desert Storm, and the Civil War; disabled American veterans; fallen law enforcement and firefighters; veterans of all military branches and all wars; prisoners of war and those missing in action; WWII veterans lost at sea; Gold Star Mothers; and Purple Heart veterans. A wreath honoring WWI veterans was also placed in front of the WWI monument in East Park.

This year's guest speaker was Laura Parker, Esq., a Supreme Court Law Clerk in Chenango County, who gave a touching speech on her grandparents' military service, and how acts of service to the community and the nation, no matter how small, can have a positive ripple effect.

"I believe volunteerism, including military service, is a cornerstone of not only our nation, but our community. Go out, volunteer, be that stone, create those ripples. You never know how far your service to your community, to your country, will extend. How far your impact will matter," she said. "This is our community. It is time to give back, specifically to the veterans here today. While you may feel that you are just a small stone in a large pond, please know that your ripple effect has already touched all of us."