Community celebrates veterans

A day of activities honoring America’s veterans fittingly began with a flag-raising ceremony at the Maricopa Veterans Center today.

Scouts sang, bagpipers played, Air Force JROTC members marched and veterans saluted at the 8 a.m. Veterans Day celebration.

“America makes a lot of things,” Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Commander Mike Kemery said. “But the standout, the strongest, most resilient, honorable, dedicated, committed and true American product is the American veteran. And today is their day.”

Bryan Concho took the morning off work to attend the event.

“I have a long line of family being (Marine) Corps – my dad, myself and my son who is currently serving; he’s 10 years now in the Corps,” Concho said of his motivation to attend. “And always that opportunity to see fellow vets, too; it’s always good to come to an event like this.”

Kemery also told the crowd of dozens of community members, veterans and non-veterans alike:

“Today we honor every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform of our armed forces, whether serving here at home or abroad. This relatively small group of individuals does not ask for anything from us in return. That’s a good thing because, the fact is, we can never repay them for all they’ve done for us. But ladies and gentlemen, today is a start. By your being here, it shows you acknowledge and appreciate the great sacrifices our military men and women have made for generations to ensure freedom endures.”

Other Veterans Day events include a pancake breakfast at Legacy Traditional School, appreciation luncheon hosted by Tortosa Homeowners Association, and lunch and silent auction fundraiser at Raceway Bar & Grill.