11TH HOUR CEREMONY
Tribute to veterans held with COVID-19 precautions
LOWER GWYNEDD » For the eighth time, the township held a ceremony, honoring veterans from Lower Gwynedd and surrounding communities on Veterans Day, starting at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, commemorating the time, day and year World War I ended in 1918.
It also marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 70th anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War, and the 45th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Several of those attending spoke briefly about how appreciative they were of all those who served and continue to serve our nation and community, and that the township honors their service, whether in the military or as members of the township police force.
Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, this year’s ceremony was held at Veterans Park in Spring House. In addition to a Coast Guard Veteran who spoke briefly of his service during the Cold War, the abbreviated ceremony was attended by township supervisors, administrative staff members, police and members of the Veterans Day Committee.
Last year’s ceremony was held in the Wissahickon High School auditorium, with a short ceremony preceding it at Veterans Park.
For the first six years, the ceremony was held at Veterans Park and featured numerous veteran speakers, who told their stories, what their service meant to them and what residents need to understand and learn from the experiences of those who served, defending the nation they risked their lives to defend.