Standing in Reading’s Veterans Memorial Grove beneath gray skies late Tuesday morning, a frigid wind whipping through City Park, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Will Tobin spoke about commitment.
He talked about the incredible level of commitment to their country shown by the men and women who have put their lives on the line to serve in the United States armed forces. And he spoke about the commitment the country needs to have to them in return, particularly in light of the struggle so many veterans face.
The veterans community has high incidences of financial strain, housing insecurity and mental health struggles, said Tobin, deputy director of the Berks County Veterans Affairs Office.
Mental health struggles, Tobin said, are found in the community at an alarming rate. Veterans make up only 4% of the local population but account for 26% of suicides.
“It’s a call to action for all of us to do more,” he said.
Veterans salute during the playing of taps in a Veterans Day service at City Park on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Those affected, Tobin said, are mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. They’re neighbors and they’re friends.
“They shape our schools, our neighborhoods and our local businesses,” he said. “They strengthen and bond our communities.”
Tobin’s poignant remarks came during the annual Veterans Day service hosted at the park by the organizations of The Combined Veterans Council of Berks County.
Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient Mike Mescavage of Hamburg plays taps during a Veterans Day service at City Park on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The event, which was attended by about 100 people, gave the community a chance to show appreciation for those who served and renew their commitment to supporting them.
State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz said veterans’ service is the reason children are able to play in the park, that small businesses can operate, that parents can build families.
“I’m grateful for your sacrifice, for your work, for your dedication,” she said of veterans. “You have given of your life to us, and we need to do more to protect you.”
City Council President Donna Reed used Tuesday’s bone-chilling weather to illustrate her point, saying the discomfort the crowd felt should make them think about the conditions so many veterans faced during their times in service.
Veterans gather to hear Retired Chief Warrant Officer Will Tobin offer remarks during a Veterans Day service at City Park on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
They faced those challenges out of a sense of duty, out of a desire to protect.
“Their hearts were in public service, their hearts were to protect us,” Reed said. “Their hearts were to protect the constitution that protects all of us.”