U.S. Navy veteran Keith McLain, of Sidney, salutes during the singing of the National Anthem by Amanda Shaffer at the Veterans Day Service on the courtsquare. The service was held on Saturday, Nov. 11. McLain fought in the Vietnam War and served from 1964-68.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Sidney American Legion Post 217 Commander and Shelby County Veterans Commission President Judy Johnson, of Sidney, lays a wreath on behalf of the Legion during the Veterans Day Service on the courtsquare. The service was held on Saturday, Nov 11. Johnson served in the U.S. Army from 1970-92.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
US Army veteran Zachary Bosslet, of Sidney, speaks during the Veterans Day Service on the courtsquare. The service was held on Saturday, Nov 11.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
USAF veteran Duane Mullen, of Sidney, speaks during the Veterans Day Service on the courtsquare. The service was held on Saturday, Nov 11.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
State Rep. Mike Carey talks about how he worries not enough people are currently enlisting in the U.S. Military, during the Veterans Day Service on the courtsquare. The service was held on Saturday, Nov 11.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
The Sidney Veterans Honor Guard performs a rifle salute during the Veterans Day Service on the courtsquare. The service was held on Saturday, Nov 11.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
By Kimberly Pistone
For the Sidney Daily News
SIDNEY – Dozens gathered on the Courthouse Square in downtown Sidney to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
Zack Bosslet, an Army veteran, welcomed the veterans, their families and other guests. Duane Mullen, an Air Force veteran, gave the invocation. Amanda Shaffer sang the National Anthem while some of the audience joined in. The National Anthem was followed by a moment of silence while Judy Johnson, an Army veteran and member of the American Legion Post 217, placed the memorial wreathes at the base of the flagpole.
Shelby County Commissioner Bob Guillozet and Sidney Mayor Mardie Milligan were the next speakers. Guillozet thanked everyone for joining together to honor the nation’s veterans. Milligan spoke of how veterans are selfless individuals, true patriots, who “never fail to inspire all of us” with their service to this country.
Bosslet introduced the guest speaker – Congressman Mike Carey, representing the 15th district of Ohio. Carey, a veteran, said he found it troublesome that the amount of people who want to serve in the military today is on a decline and he was honored to be in Sidney to see so many veterans who served gathered together.
After Carey spoke, the Sidney Veterans Honor Guard presented a 21 rifle salute, followed by the playing of Taps.
Mullen gave special recognition to the Scout Troops 95, 97 and 597 for all they do to support events in Sidney. He thanked the veterans and families for their sacrifices before giving the benediction.
The morning’s event ended with Chris North, Navy veteran and executive director of the Shelby County Veterans Services. North wanted to be sure that all veterans in attendance knew that his office is available to serve the community’s veterans. The office is located at 133 S. Ohio Ave., across from the corner of the courtsquare.
