Veterans and residents paused today at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History to reflect on the history of this great Nation and honor all those who fought to defend it.
During a Veterans Day Remembrance Service, Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson, members of the VFW Post 8154, Civil Air Patrol, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion Post 118 and other turned out to give thanks to veterans past and present, men and women from all walks of life and all ethnicities, who stood up and protected our freedom.
Monson, the keynote speaker, told the crowd that Zephyrhills has always been a strong supporter of veterans and that was most evident this weekend with the Veterans Day Parade downtown and the Battle for Veterans event that brought thousands of people out to recognize the sacrifices, sense of duty and love for this country that our veterans display proudly.
“That rich history in our community matters to everyone and it matters to me,” Monson said as she honored the 70th anniversary of celebrating Veterans Day following the holiday’s creation in 1954.
Joseph Theriot of the VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard served as the master of ceremonies. The Civil Air Patrol posted the colors and Pastor Kevin Heaton the Zephyrhills Church of Christ delivered the invocation and benediction. The National Anthem and God Bless America were led by Rod Rehrig of the Marine Corps League Det. 1124.
“How many will raise their hand to serve in the next 70 years and how will they send it?” Monson said. “Those are questions we don’t know the answers to. We can hope for peace. We can foster peace and advocate for it, but we cannot stop the wheels of war.
“We can pray for every man and woman to return from the service healthy and unhindered, be we can’t guarantee it. With that bravery, we as a nation make a sacred promise to make whole those who are forever changed from service. Let this Veterans Day be a reminder of what we can do for them.”