Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service Amid Snow
On November 11, despite snow showers and a snowy setting, community members and veterans gathered at the Chardon Square gazebo for the annual Veterans Day ceremony. The event was hosted by Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519 and Chardon American Legion Post 167.
Community Support and Veteran Reflections
Michele Pemberton, director of Geauga County Veterans Services, welcomed veterans with hot coffee and donuts before the ceremony. She emphasized the day’s significance:
“Veterans Day is a day to thank those who served this beautiful country.”
Pemberton recalled her early experiences delivering Veterans Day speeches in harsh weather, highlighting the resilience shared by veterans and civilians alike:
“It was snowing and I couldn’t feel my hands to turn the pages or my lips as I spoke. Yet, there was a crowd of veterans and civilians standing shoulder to shoulder. As soldiers, we are trained to adapt to weather and our surroundings, so we ‘suck it up and accomplish the mission.’”
Master of Ceremonies’ Military Background
Steve Oluic, the ceremony’s Master of Ceremonies and Chardon VFW quartermaster, shared his military journey. Inspired by Army ROTC during his final years at Case Western Reserve University, he was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer after graduation.
Now in his 19th year of service, Oluic has served as an assistant professor of geography at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and later as assistant dean of strategy and policy.
Summary: The Chardon community honors veterans annually, showing steadfast support despite harsh weather, reflecting the resilience exemplified by those who serve in the military.