On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township hosted a heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony. The event drew community members, families of the fallen, and local officials who gathered to honor the more than 26,000 veterans interred at the site.
Traditional honors and patriotic reflections
The ceremony followed long‑standing tradition: an honor guard delivered a rifle salute, the solemn bugle call “Taps” echoed across the grounds, and attendees were reminded to respect the sacrifices made by America’s military men and women.
Keynote speaker emphasizes freedom and duty
Jack Wagner, a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and former Pennsylvania auditor general, state senator, and Pittsburgh City Council member, delivered the keynote address. Wagner said, “Freedom in our country and anywhere in the world would not exist if not for the American military and the 43 million Americans who have put their lives on the line.” He added, “There’s not a country that has the freedom that we do, and we will defend it.”
Local leaders call for unity beyond politics
State Rep. Tim O’Neal, representing Pennsylvania’s 48th Legislative District, noted that Veterans Day falls one week after Election Day and serves as a reminder that “first and foremost, we’re Americans, we’re not Republicans or Democrats.” He stressed that service members “don’t swear an oath to a political party or a certain ideology or a race or religion.”
Remembering the legacy of America’s veterans
Darlene Mathis, director of the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, said veterans “have shaped our nation, strengthened it and moved it forward.” The ceremony highlighted the historic roots of the holiday: first observed as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I, it became a federal holiday in 1938 and was expanded in 1954 to honor all who have served.
Most Veterans Day observances begin at 11 a.m., echoing the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the 1918 cease‑fire took effect. The Cecil Township ceremony continued that tradition, offering a moment of reflection for the community and a public affirmation of gratitude toward those who have defended liberty.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
