ANDOVER — Veterans and their families were honored with an outpouring of support by the community at Andover’s annual Veterans Day ceremony Monday.
The town held the ceremony at 11:11 a.m. on the Ballardvale Green. The time is of historical significance for the peace armistice signed in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to bring an end to WWI.
Andover’s ceremony began with a flag raising and firing salute by the American Legion Post to remember prisoners of war, those missing in action and veterans who have died.
John Garabedian, of Andover, sang the National Anthem.
The Andover High School band performed a military medley, including the hymn of each military branch. Veterans in attendance stood up and saluted during their song.
“There was an overwhelming amount of pride today,” Director of Veterans Services Mark Comeiro said. “Andover is very patriotic and it show by all the people who come out to support the veterans.
He said veterans were smiling and showed pride as they were recognized during the ceremony.
There were about 100 veterans at the ceremony. They were joined by first responders and state and local dignitaries, including town officials, Northern Essex Register of Deeds Paul Iannuccillo, state Rep. Frank Moran, D-Andover, and state Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover.