VALDOSTA — Veterans, dignitaries, active duty military and citizens turned out in a light rain for the Veterans Day ceremony at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Williams Street Wednesday. Presented by the Lowndes Veterans Council, the event was sparsely attended by the public.

A huge American flag was displayed in the bleachers on the opposing side of Cleveland Field. Members of the Valdosta High School Marching Cats, under the direction of Michael Thomas, provided music for the occasion.

Lt. Col. Donald C. Wolfe, Jacksonville Army Recruiting battalion commander, was the featured speaker. Prior to the start of the ceremony, Wolfe said Veterans Day is about celebrating veterans, honoring their service, both past and present, and reminding people that it’s an honor and a privilege to serve in the Armed Forces.

“I would ask everyone in America to encourage those young people who are considering military service. The military, regardless of which service, is a great place to start your life and answer the call to duty,” he said.

During his prepared remarks before the assembled audience, Wolfe said, “America’s veterans proudly carried the torch of liberty. Their country called and they answered. We can thank them by taking full advantage of the rights they fought to preserve.”

Master of Ceremonies Phil Youngblood said, “Veterans are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Our armed forces carry the great responsibility of defending us.”

Valdosta Mayor John Fretti quoted the words of President John F. Kennedy.

“A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but also by the people it honors, the people it remembers.” Fretti added, “I’m grateful to wake up every morning under the protection of the greatest military organization in the world.”

Honor Guards from Moody Air Force Base and the Knights of Columbus, the Lowndes High Air Force Junior ROTC, the Valdosta High Navy Junior ROTC and the Valdosta State University ROTC, were also on hand to participate in the event to honor U.S. veterans. Immediately after the program, American Legion Post 13, located at 1301 Williams St., hosted a free BBQ luncheon.

Another Veterans Day program was also held at the Southside Recreation Center.

Nov. 11 marks the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed Veterans Day, a time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I.

For more information call American Legion 13 Post Commander Ed Kent at 229-333-2178 or American Legion Post 13 229-242-7616.