LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – This Veterans Day, the National Anthem echoed through Allentown during a special ceremony.
“We are just so grateful to our veterans for their sacrifice and for their ongoing service for our city,” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk.
It was a similar scene at the Memorial Grove in Easton’s Upper Hackett Park, where veterans from all different branches of the military were on hand.
“Americans never forget this is what Veterans Day is really about. We remember the brave and the honorable men and women who have served in our armed forces since the founding of our nation,” said Thomas Rafferty.
At Hanover Elementary School in Hanover Township, students singing patriotic songs filled the air at a Veterans Day ceremony in front of dozens of veterans, including Michael Carter, who served in the Navy.
“It means everything to see our children celebrate us and to, you know, give acknowledgement to all of the service we have provided. It feels great,” said Carter.
Beverly Josar attended the ceremony too. Her husband is a Vietnam veteran.
“My grandson Jacob is in fifth grade, but I’ve enjoyed coming here every year. I come on behalf of my husband because he’s in Washington with his buddies,” said Josar.
Interim Principal Eric Fontanez said there was one thing specifically that was really special to him.
“Seeing all the students that have a veteran that they brought to their ceremony today,” said Fontanez.
An annual ceremony saluting our nation’s heroes.
“This is a team effort. The whole school pitches in- the teachers, all the staff, and they do a great job,” said Nikki Giannaras, a 4th grade teacher at Hanover Elementary School.