Veterans and their families from around the county gathered at the Elks Lodge in Warrenton for a Veterans Day service on Monday.
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Veterans and their families from around the county gathered at the Elks Lodge in Warrenton for a Veterans Day service on Monday.
The service started with the presentation of the colors by a color guard and the playing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The service was attended by roughly 100 veterans and their families and included remarks from Gary Ruebling of the Tribute to Veterans Memorial and Air Force veteran Rich Fay.
Before Ruebling began his remarks, he requested the veterans in the room stand, when their branch was called.
Ruebling spent his time on the podium telling the story of Sergeant William Carney, the first African American veteran to receive the medal of honor, the nation’s highest military honor. He received that honor for his heroics during the battle of Fort Wagner during the Civil War.
Ruebling told the story of how, in the face of insurmountable danger, Carney refused to let the American flag fall to the ground after his unit’s flag bearer was killed.
Carney attempted to hoist the flag in the fort when he was set upon by confederate soldiers and forced to run.
“In that moment of danger, Carney remembered the flag that represented all he held dear and was fighting to protect, and rather than dropping the flag and fleeing for his life, he wrapped the flag around the staff to protect it and ran down an embankment,” said Ruebling.
Though he sustained heavy injuries in his retreat, Carney survived and was able to return the flag, and Ruebling said months later, with the assistance of a cane, Carney would return to Fort Wagner with the flag following the war’s conclusion.
“When you lay your head on your pillow tonight, thank God for the freedom you enjoy here today and ask His protection on all those serving our country,” said Reubling.
Fay spoke about the significance of the day, and why people should recognize those who have served. He noted that although Veterans Day or Armistice Day has been celebrated since after the end of World War I in 1919, it has only been known as Veterans Day since 1954, making this its 70th year.
“This day deserves to be honored, and recognize the millions of servicemen and women that took up the challenge to defend this great country and ensure America stands strong and ready to defend our freedoms,” said Fay.
Following his remarks, wreaths were laid at the front of the room to recognize those who have served and the ceremony was concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.
