The men and women who have served in the military were honored at several Veterans Day observances in the Alle-Kiski Valley on Thursday.
Veterans Day initially was known as Armistice Day, held on Nov. 11 because that was the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
Here’s a sampling of the A-K Valley’s observances.
Arnold
Jim McFadden, 71, of Lower Burrell was among a few people who gathered for a service at a memorial in Roosevelt Park. He’s a member of the Arnold American Legion.
“I miss all my buddies that were lost in battle,” he said. Veterans Day “reminds me of all veterans, living and past.”
McFadden was in Vietnam during his service with the Air Force from 1968 to 1972. When they came home, things were bad, he said.
“No one appreciated the Vietnam veterans,” he said. “You couldn’t get a job anywhere.”
McFadden said it was 35 years before someone said “thank you.”
“The very first time anyone said, ‘Thank you for your service,’ I was overwhelmed,” he said.
New Kensington
New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo addressed a small gathering at the city’s Gold Star Mothers Memorial.
“On this Veterans Day, we will honor all who answered a call to preserve our country’s freedoms,” Guzzo said. “We honor the men and women who so bravely have served to ensure that the greatness of our country, the rights that we so preciously have and cling to are maintained.
“Their dedication to our country never faltered or wavered. Their courage has kept us safe.”
Springdale
The Springdale Veterans Association held its event at the veterans memorial monument between Porter Street and Pittsburgh Street.
The event began with two minutes of silence to honor the end of the World War I. There were speeches from members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1437 and American Legion Post 764, bouquets and a wreath laid on the memorial, a rifle squad salute and the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and taps.
“This is intended to remember all of our friends and comrades,” VFW Post 1437 Commander Mark Donahue said.
State Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso attended the event to thank and recognize veterans for their service.
“This region has a high number of veterans. We have to be active with the military veterans and anyone in the military,” she said.
