A small crowd gathered in front of Southold American Legion this morning to honor those who have served in the military.
Veterans, community leaders and the NJROTC participated in the ceremony, which is held annually for Veterans Day. Afghanistan veteran Capt. Charles Sanders, who is also the commander of Post 803, led the proceedings.
“On this day we are commemorating the service of veterans of all wars,” he said. “Out of blood and sweat we learned of purpose, sacrifice, tolerance, bravery and discipline. These are solid foundation stones upon which a great nation is built.”
George Sullivan, a Past Commander of Post 803 and a United States Marine Vietnam Veteran also shared a few words. Sullivan is the recipient of the United States’ second-highest award, “the Navy Cross.”
“Courage is one of the virtues born of war — the courage of individuals in the face of danger and the courage of nations to protect the weak and punish the aggressor. There is bravery to be shown in peace as well. May we recapture the courage that turned the wilderness into cities and that bound men together under the government,” Sullivan said.
“Let us strive to see the same spirit of self-sacrifice that is cultivated in peace as it has been exhibited in war,” said Ray Terry, a Past Commander of Post 803 and a United States Marine who served in the Korean War. “It behooves us to rear new standards of success, to inspire you in peace as youth was inspired in war.”
“Let us honor those veterans who carry into ordinary affairs of life a noble idealism and sincere capacity for self-devotion,” Terry said. “Let us translate the devotion of war into a devotion of peace. Let us will to live as well as die for our country.”
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl.
