Veteran’s Day program honored all who served

by Lisa Schauer

Members of Alderton-Dawson American Legion Post 60 hosted a patriotic Veterans Day program for the community on Monday, November 11 in Berkeley Springs.

All veterans who have served, or are currently serving in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve were recognized for their honorable service to our country.

Commander David Rose welcomed veterans and members of the community gathered at the Legion to pay tribute to our military men and women in uniform, and to salute them for their service.

Shelly Champion-Blankenship lead the singing of the national anthem and a patriotic medley at Alderton-Dawson American Legion Post 60 on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11.
photos by Lisa Schauer

The program included a color guard; POW/MIA remembrance service; pledge of allegiance and national anthem; invocation by Post 60 Chaplain Sheila Donnelly; speeches and a wreath laying ceremony; a gun salute, and playing of “Taps” by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Members of the American Legion Honor Guard played “Taps” and gave a gun salute in a moving tribute on Veterans Day, November 11.

Guest speaker was retired Lieutenant Colonel Curtis E. Garrett from the U.S. Air Force, West Virginia Air National Guard.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Curtis E. Garrett, U.S. Air Force, West Virginia Air National Guard, delivered the guest speech at this year’s Veterans Day program at the American Legion in Berkeley Springs.

LTC Garrett enlisted in 1988, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving his commission in 1997.

During his service, LTC Garrett was part of many operations in Eastern Europe, Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Oman and Pakistan. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, and Aerial Achievement Medal, among others, before retiring in 2022 after 34 years of service.

Garrett spoke of sacrifice, dedication, honor, and gratitude for his fellow Veterans, challenging those in attendance to show their gratitude, by thanking a Vet, wearing their colors, and supporting their charities.

Following the gun salute and bugler playing “Taps” – a call to remember those who gave their lives in the service of the United States – all were invited for a hearty lunch provided by the American Legion family.