Rochester salutes all those who served

Rochester American Legion Post 7 Commander Bob Talbot salutes after placing a wreath at the POW/MIA Memorial at Rochester Commons during Veterans Day observances on Tuesday. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photos)

ROCHESTER - With scores of Spaulding High School Junior ROTC students lined neatly before him, Bob Baker, Commander of Rochester AmVets Post 1, took the opportunity on Tuesday to recognize the program as part of Veterans Day exercises held at the Rochester Commons.

"These young people are getting a taste of what the military stands for," Baker said.

Several hundred gathered for the observance under pleasant skies and mild temperatures to pay homage and thank all veterans who have served their country, whether in war or peace, abroad or here at home.

Unlike Memorial Day, when tears often flow in remembrance of those who have died on foreign soil while fighting and paying the ultimate price, the driving emotion on Tuesday was pride, pride in doing service for your country and pride in thanking those who have.

From left, Diane Charles, her son Ryan, Jacob Brown, and his mom, Cori Brown after Veterans Day exercises on Tuesday at the Rochester Commons. Both Jr. ROTC members are sophomores at Spaulding High School.

Rochester moms Diane Charles and Cori Brown were both in attendance for the observance, and after the 20-minute ceremony, reflected on the pride they felt in their sons who are part of the Junior ROTC program at Spaulding.

"We're very proud," they both said in unison when asked about their sons' membership in the program.

Baker also spoke about the commitment America's military men and women make by having to be apart from family and friends, often for extended periods of time. He said while their service may be different, their commitment is the same, whether they served with the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard.

Nam Knights of Dover bagpiper Roy Greenleaf, of Rochester, plays at Tuesday's observance of Veterans Day held at the Rochester Commons.

After wreaths were placed in remembrance of past servicemen to all branches of the military and America's POW-MIAs, Nam Knights of Dover bagpiper Roy Greenleaf, who lives in Rochester, played a stirring tribute for all who have served.

A second city observance was held Tuesday night at the First United Methodist Church.