'Tell them they won't be forgotten'

Members of the military salute as Jodi Gourlay, red coat, sings the National Anthem during Milton's Veteran's Day observance on Wednesday at Veteran's Park. (Lebanon Voice photos)

Milton and Rochester residents braved a steady, cold rain on Wednesday to pay tribute to America's servicemen and women.

In Milton VFW Post Cmdr. Peter Hayward urged a crowd of about 60 to go one step further on Veteran's Day when they thank military personnel for their sacrifice.

When you tell a veteran "Thank you for their service" they don't really know what to do, he said.

"I mean they wanted to serve, so you're thanking them for something they wanted to do," Hayward added. "So follow that up with, 'Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.'"

Also in attendance were members of American Legion Post 61 and Union VFW Post 7663.

Milton Boy Scout Troop 155 leader Dave Barca looks on as Scouts prepare for Milton's Veteran's Day ceremony at Veteran's Park on Wednesday.

Under less than perfect conditions Milton resident Jodi Gourlay led a rousing singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and to close the ceremony, an emotional rendition of "God Bless America."

Meanwhile, in Rochester a large crowd gathered on the Common to also honor America's military

The ceremony, organized by the Rochester Veteran's Council, included all branches of the military and city military organizations.

After a proclamation was read from President Barack Obama six wreaths were placed to honor all branches of the military as well as one to remember POWs and MIAs.