The Village of New Concord hosted the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Westminster Presbyterian Church Thursday, Nov. 11.
The ceremony opened with the song “Eternal Father” followed by more patriotic music with John Chalfont on organ and Jerry Gibson on piano.
New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle gave the greeting of the ceremony, which was followed by the audience joining her in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Rev. Bryan Kittner, presented the invocation which was followed by a musical tribute from the Singing W’s and friends.
Reverend Bryan Kittner and Pastor Keith Taylor join the Singing W’s in their musical tribute. Both spoke at the Veterans Day Ceremony.
Ohio Representative Adam Holmes who was a U.S. Marine Corps for over 30 years, presented the recognition of veterans at the ceremony.
“So much obligation and respect to those that went before us that I still feel now,” said Holmes.
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- College Drive Presbyterian Church Pastor Keith Taylor provides a message during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony. The event was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Photo: Emma Cepek
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- The Singing W’s performed at the 2021 New Concord Veterans Day ceremony. The event was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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- New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle opens the 2021 Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony was held Nov. 11, 2021. Photo: Emma Cepek
Holmes shared history related to Veterans Day in Ohio. Holmes said that there are 700,009 thousand veterans in Ohio alone, which is nearly eight percent of the population. He asked the audience to raise their hand if they knew a veteran of a specific war.
“Love and respect for those who went before us, to honor the way they defended our nation. We are going to move that forward because there are people who are not veterans yet who are in this audience and continuing that American tradition,” said Holmes during the recognition of veterans.
The New Concord Girl Scout Troop 8101 presented the wreath, and the Presentation of the Colors and Retirement of the Colors was done by the New Concord Boy Scout Troop 510.
The New Concord Girl Scout Troop 8101 presented the wreath at the ceremony. The wreath is on display at the New Concord War Memorial.
“What better day than Veterans Day to remind is what an extraordinary community we have in New Concord,” said Mayor Lyle.
Pianist Jerry Gibson performs at the Veterans Day ceremony. Gibson also sang with the Singing W’s.
The ceremony concluded with the audience coming together to sing “God Bless America” and a benediction given by Rev. Bryan Kittner.
Refreshments were provided by The John & Annie Glenn Museum.
Community members can visit the New Concord War Memorial on Main Street.
