Veterans Day Ceremony at Wilder Park Dedicated to All Who Have Served

Veterans, families and city officials gathered Friday at Wilder Park Veterans Memorial for the annual assembly of gratitude and remembrance for all those who have served.

The brisk morning of 11-11-11 held special significance this year, as this "Day of Ones" won't again happen for another 100 years, master of ceremonies Bill Shanklin said. At 11 a.m., all in attendance stood facing east in a moment of silence to honor veterans.

Mayor Pete DiCianni was moved nearly to tears at the early part of his address, remembering his father, who passed away five years ago on Nov. 10.

DiCianni said his father wasn't a veteran, but several of his family members were.

"We look at the medics, the nurses and all these people that gave of their lives in many, many ways, whether they shot a rifle or bandaged a gun shot wound," he said. "We honor them, we thank them and we may never take what they have given for granted."

The ceremony also included the traditional placing of wreathes, reading of the names of all veterans who have died in the past year and a rifle squad salute.