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AHOSKIE – Serving one’s country in the military means sacrifice. But one way America returns the favor for what the brave men and women do who make our lives secure is simply acknowledging their service.

The Parker Veterans Center, home to American Legion Post 102, was crowded here Monday morning where local residents gathered to pay their respect to our military veterans. That ceremony was preceded by a Veterans Day Parade down Ahoskie’s Main Street.

Hertford County High School JROTC Instructor Randy Cherry, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer III, served as the featured speaker at Monday’s event held inside the Veterans Center. He said Veterans Day is set aside to pay tribute and honor America’s true heroes.

“This is more than just a holiday. It’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of men and women who have answered the call to defend our way of life,” Cherry said. “We pause on this day to reflect on their courage, their resilience, and the profound impact they made on our country, our history, and our future.”

Cherry noted that these military veterans have stood firm on battlefields throughout the world.

“They faced adversity, endured hardship, faced danger, and made sacrifices that most of us cannot fully comprehend,” he said. “Their service to our country has shaped the course of history and safeguarded the principles of liberty, democracy, and justice we hold dear.”

He stressed that these brave men and women didn’t act alone.

“We must also recognize the families that have stood beside them,” Cherry remarked. “They too made sacrifices….waiting, worrying, and enduring the challenge that comes with military service. To the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who have supported our veterans, we extend our heartfelt thanks.”

Cherry added that the service made by our military veterans isn’t limited to their actions on a field of battle.

“Many continued to serve their communities after they returned home,” he said. “That service came through volunteer work, leadership in local organizations, or by serving as mentors to the next generation. They carry a message of discipline, sacrifice, and service to our civilian lives, bettering our society in countless ways.”

Cherry addressed ways the nation can continue to support the needs of military veterans.

“We must ensure that they have access to quality healthcare and education as well as job opportunities,” he stated. “We must continue to support those who have given so much to our country. Our commitment to our veterans should not end when they come home from duty. It must be a lifelong promise of care and respect.”

He pointed out that each veteran’s journey is unique.

“Some bear visible scars while others carry wounds that are invisible, but no less real,” Cherry said. “We must create a society where veterans feel supported, understood, and valued; where their voices are heard, their struggles acknowledged, and their courage celebrated.

“On this Veterans Day, we are reminded of the debt we owe to those who have served. We honor them not just in prayers, but with actions by living out the values they fought to protect, by working to build a more just and compassionate society, and ensuring that future generations understand the true cost of freedom,” Cherry closed.

Post 102 Commander Joe Perfetto presided over Monday’s event, noting that Veterans Day is formerly known as Decoration Day, which began after World War I.

The Hertford County Junior ROTC posted the Colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Former Post 102 Commander James Hutchinson led the audience in the singing of the National Anthem.

Other Post 102 members taking part in the ceremony were Rev. William Reid, Willie Watford, and Roosevelt Robbins.

Reid offered the opening prayer and closing benediction as well as reading a poem entitled, “Just a Common Soldier” written by Larry Vaincourt.

Watford recited the poem – “Freedom Isn’t Free” – written by Kelly Strong of the U.S. Air Force. Watford dedicated those words to the memory of the late Linda Meeks, a Post 102 Auxiliary member who prior to her death would always recite the same poem at the Post 102 Veterans Day service.

Watford, who was in charge of the Veterans Day parade, thanked all who participated in that event.

Robbins read a poem by Ann D. Stevenson entitled, “Bless the Veterans.”