ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) – A parade and ceremony in St. Albans on this Veterans Day honored those who served.
Veteran Doris Sumner served in the military for 36 years. She appreciates the annual St. Albans Veterans Day celebrations because of how they involve the younger generation.
“That come out and get an appreciation for what veterans do, and speakers that they have, the young kids talking about understanding why we’re celebrating Veterans Day,” Sumner said.
Students from the Maple Run Unified School District marched to Taylor Park in St. Albans on Monday. The annual event commemorates the service of veterans from St. Albans and across the nation.
Representatives from the St. Albans Veterans of Foreign Wars, military representatives, state and local officials, and student speakers addressed the significance of the holiday. The ceremony also featured Sen. Bernie Sanders.
“At the end of the day, you cannot ask any more of a human being than to put their lives on the line to protect and defend our country, and that’s what veterans do. And I think it’s important for young people to understand that message,” said Sanders, I-Vermont.
He says even during divisive times, it’s vital to honor veterans.
“Regardless of one’s political point of view, everybody owes, understands the debt of gratitude that we owe our veterans. That’s a debt that can really not be repaid, so I think that unifies the whole country,” Sanders said.
After the ceremony, students returned to class, taking with them the reminder to thank the veterans in their lives.