NORWICH – Scores of Norwich City residents turned out to see the annual Veterans’ Day parade wind its way down East Main Street on Monday, and pay respects the country’s bravest during the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
The parade – consisting of the Norwich City Police Department, Riders of the American Legion, the Norwich Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), several auxillary groups, boy scouts, girls scouts, cub scouts, city officials and the Norwich High School Marching Band – finished on the grounds of East Park where a ceremony was held to honor members of the armed forces past and present.
This year marks the 95th anniversary since the inception of Veterans’ Day – formerly known as Armistice Day, a tradition that started with the celebration of a peace agreement that ended World War I at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.
In spite of Monday’s seasonably cool weather, observers huddled near the East Park stage and bore the bitter cold to solute those who have served over the course of the century. The ceremony opened with the National Anthem performed by the Norwich High School Choir, followed by invocation led by Ken Fallon, pastor of Crossroads Community Church of Sherburne.
Veterans’ Day, said Fallon, is day to recognize those who have “dreamed for a land of freedom.”
“We are reminded that because of their service, we can live in safety,” Fallon added.
Keeping in the tradition of honoring the country’s finest, guest speaker Beth Ann Pervetich, a 2008 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and current officer for the Navy recruiting district, was invited to speak. Though not having served in the same magnitude of war as many area veterans, Pervetich said she was born with a military heritage. As the daughter of Navy man and granddaughter of a World War II Marine, Pervetich said she’s honored to have been raised “to be a part of something so much bigger than just me.”
“Thank you so much for the humbling opportunity to come and speak to you,” she said to onlooking veterans. “But many more thanks to those who came before me ... who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all have.”
Local veterans humbly placed wreaths at the base of East Park stage and saluted in honor of men and women who gallantly fought with pride and vigor. Wreaths were presented on behalf of the local Patriot Guard, the Norwich VFW, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion Auxillary, Sons of the Legion, the VFW Auxillary, as well as veterans of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, First Persian Gulf War, Afghan War and Iraq War.
The traditional 21-gun salute filled the cold air with the sound of gunfire in a national tribute to vets and taps played to honor the fallen soldiers. As always, benediction concluded the ceremony with an offering of thanks to US veterans before soldiers were ordered to “fall out.” Nonetheless, attendants continued their praises with hand-shakes and hugs to those who served.