NORTH ANDOVER — The North Andover Patriotic Observance Committee honored all who serve their country at its annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony at Patriots Memorial Park Monday.
Hundreds of people attended the ceremony during the sunny morning to honor and salute veterans for their service.
Veterans of the different branches of the U.S. Armed Services were distinguished guests, proudly dressed in their uniforms and donning hats with the war or conflict they served in. They were joined by families, community members of all ages, town officials, law enforcement and first responders.
The North Andover High School band led the National Anthem and performed a patriotic medley. High school senior Christina Jamieson sang “America the Beautiful.”
Army veteran Staff Sgt. Joseph LeBlanc, the director of Veterans Services for North Andover and Boxford, said Veterans Day is to honor and pay tribute to those who served in wartime and paid the ultimate debt to protect their country. But the day also serves to recognize the men and women who fought in hostile places and who serve during peacetime.
Keynote speaker Sgt. Maj. James Campbell Jr. of the 9th State Command in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, spoke to the committed duty and sacrifice and selfless service of veterans. He said they are neighbors, friends, police officers, firefighters, teachers, doctors and others whose military service teaches the meaning of loyalty and patriotism.
“Our veterans are the embodiment of the values that have made our nation the greatest and most free nation in the world,” Campbell said. “Their service has defended our nation and ensured that our communities, our institutions and our families can live and prosper in freedom.”
Campbell encouraged those in attendance to take the opportunity to not only honor veterans, but learn from their experience and ask them to share their stories. He said with each year that goes by, the number of veterans from WWII, Korea and Vietnam is dwindling, along with opportunities to thank them.
“My challenge to each of us today is to ensure that they know and they see our gratitude while they’re still with us,” Campbell said. “Let them know that we are worth their service and sacrifice.”