Veterans honored, remembered in Baldwin

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On a picturesque fall day, as leaves fell in Silver Lake Park, the Baldwin community gathered to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their time, energy, and in some cases, their lives to protect our freedoms. On the 11th day of the 11th month, Baldwin, and the country as a whole, celebrated Veterans Day.

Flags lined the pathways of Silver Lake Park while wreaths were placed to honor the county’s veterans. George Irwin, 1st vice commander of Baldwin American Legion Post 246, addressed the crowd of roughly 50 people and touched on what Veterans Day means to him. “Honor should be given as honor is earned,” he said. “Let us honor the sacrifices of past veterans by honoring those who alleviate human suffering.

“Today we honor those who secure our nation through their selfless giving,” he added. “We should make this a daily routine.”

Veterans dating back to World War II attended the ceremony, as more servicemen and women return home each year.

Msgr. Steven Camp, of St. Christopher’s Church, led a prayer to begin the ceremony. “We gather this day to remember those who have served with distinction and honor and integrity,” he said. “We pray that we may always be people who, through our service and commitment to country, can honor the memory of those who have served.”

Taps was played as the flag was raised while everyone in attendance watched silently.

The commander and vice commanders of Post 246 noted that veterans should be remembered everyday for the sacrifices they’ve made in defending our freedom. “Our veterans, who we honor today, are the unsung heroes of the American way of life.”