SPOKANE, Wash. — Hundreds of veterans gathered for Spokane’s annual Veterans Day ceremony at the recently renamed Numerica Veterans Arena.
Veterans from several military branches came together to celebrate their service and sacrifice. The Washington Fallen Heroes Project hosted the event.
Tom Rux, a former Navy chief with more than 30 years of service, attended the ceremony.
“I am just in awe of being with all my brothers and sisters,” Rux said.
Army veteran Donna Marks talked about the bond between veterans.
“Even though we are not family, it feels like family,” Marks said. “It is just kind of that camaraderie, that camaraderie that you have when you’re in the service.”
Elementary school students spoke at the ceremony. A fifth-grader from Woodridge Elementary addressed the veterans.
“I am so thankful for what you have done for our country. Because of you, we are not worrying,” the student said. “Thank you for sacrificing yourself, your family, your health, and your time to protect our nation.”
Army veteran Bill Strobeck, who served for 24 years, appreciated hearing from the young speakers.
“The little the fifth graders giving their speeches was heartfelt. It was very nice to hear those kind words from such a young generation,” Strobeck said.
Girl Scouts handed out gifts to each veteran based on their service branch.
The ceremony ended with veterans singing their service songs together.
“I’ve learned all the words to all the songs. And so I’m used to standing up for the Army song, the Navy song, you know, everything,” Marks said.
Organizers emphasized the importance of thanking veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day.
“We want to thank you for walking in those doors and letting us acknowledge your service. We want to tell you every day what that means to us,” said Keirsten Lyons , director of the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project.
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