By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
“Bless you all and bless the United States.”
That was the message shared by American Legion Post Three Commander Kelly Madsen to a crowd gathered at the Price City Peace Garden for the city’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Scattered throughout the crowd were veterans, family members and dignitaries, all of whom came to honor those who have sacrificed so much for the United States.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by veterans from throughout Castle Country. Immediately following was a speech from Price City Mayor Mike Kourianos, who shared a message of support for veterans: “Our veterans are the reason we enjoy the freedoms and the opportunities we have today. Their courage, sacrifice and love for the nation remind us of what true service looks like.”
He continued,” Here in price, where a community built on those same values. Dedication, hard work. And looking out for one another. As we honor our veterans, let’s also commit ourselves to carrying forward the spirit they’ve shown, building a stronger, more united, more hopeful future for our city.”
Following Kourianos’ remarks, mayor-elect Terry Willis – who served in the United States Navy – took the podium. “As a veteran, I look out amongst all of you and know that those of you who have served share something that the rest of the nation doesn’t really even understand. There’s a depth to our commitment to this country. I plan on bringing that as the next mayor to continue strengthening our community, looking out for every one of us.”
Post Commander Madsen served as the keynote address for the ceremony,” Today, we gather with profound respect and gratitude to honor the sacrifice our veterans have made to our nation. As we mark this Veterans Day, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the extraordinary courage, commitment and selflessness your service presents. Your sacrifice is a foundation upon which our freedom stands.”
He also shared the core freedoms veterans are responsible for: “It is the veteran, not the preacher, who gave us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who gave us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet, who gave us freedom of speech. It is the veteran, not the protester, who gave us freedom of assembly. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who gave us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician, who gave us the right to vote.”
Following Madsen’s remarks, the color guard performed a three-volley salute, with the ceremony concluding with the playing of ‘Taps’ and a performance of the national anthem by Michelle Broadhead.
Veterans in attendance were then treated to several free meals throughout Carbon County, with Balance Rock Eatery partnering with Igotpoop.com for a free lunch and the Elks club also providing food for the veterans and their families.