Hundreds of area residents gathered in J.F. Gregory Park on a chilly Friday morning to honor veterans – past, present and future – during the Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Richmond Hill.
Following the Capt. Matthew Freeman 5K Run for Peace, the ceremony began with the Fort Stewart 3rd Infantry Division posting the colors and the National Anthem sung by Richmond Hill High School student Mary Henderson.
The guest speaker, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Commander Col. Doug Cardinale, said he was honored as a soldier to speak at the event, but that he was humbled as an American by the purpose.
“Today marks the 57th year that Americans have recognized this day as Veterans Day to honor the members of the United States Armed Forces,” Cardinale said, noting the country used to observe Armistice Day on Nov. 11.

Cardinale spoke of the soldiers in the armed forces who have sacrificed so much to honor their country, and that they are strong leaders.
“Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have shown that they will not quit and they will never accept defeat, just as our warrior ethos professes,” he said.
Read more in the Nov. 12 edition of the News.