« The price of freedom is high, » Col. Frank Walker said. « We cannot forget those who paid for it. »
AUGUSTA, MI — In unison with others across the nation, a crowd of people gathered to honor our military 100 years after the last gun was fired in World War I.
The Tolling of the Bells of Peace at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, marked the 100 th anniversary of the end of the first World War, and hundreds of people gathered at Fort Custer National Cemetery in remembrance of those veterans.
VIDEO: Veterans honored at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta
Deborah Owens, chairperson of the Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory Committee, feared the colder temperatures might keep people away from Sunday’s event. But as the clock ticked closer to the 11 th hour, chairs were filled with veterans and their loved ones, while others stood filling the space surrounding the stage.
Huddled together under warm coats and blankets, hundreds of people gathered with gratitude for the men and women who are serving or have served the country.
« Remember, our veterans fought in much worse weather than today, » Owens said.
Col. Frank Walker, 68, spoke with thankfulness to fellow veterans at Sunday’s event where the crowd saw a Vintage Warbird Flyover, the Presentation of the Colors from the 110 th Attack Wing Color Guard, a Rifle Salute and clapped along to the Armed Forces Melody.
« The 20 million veterans out there deserve all of the dignity and honor we can give them, » Walker said. « Think about it, we are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave. We owe our gratitude. »
The country must not forget those who served past, present and future, Walker said. « The price of freedom is high, » he said. « We cannot forget those who paid for it. »
Col. Jeffrey Alexander, Sunday’s keynote speaker, thanked the veterans in the crowd, noting that some didn’t have a choice.
« Ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways, » Alexander said.
Others echoed the sentiment of gratitude for veterans and their families. Christopher Morris, director of the Fort Custer National Cemetery, said our country has been « blessed like no other country. » He thanked the grounds crew at the cemetery, who he said work all year to honor those who have died.
« We strive to make everyday Veterans Day, » Morris said.
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