Columbia County residents gathered Tuesday morning at Memorial Garden Park behind the Columbia County Library to honor the men and women who have served the United States in uniform. The annual Veterans Day Ceremony was hosted by VFW Post 12190, also known as The Sharon A. Lane Memorial Post.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Cynthia Stein, who is the junior vice commander of the Sharon A. Lane Post 12190. The beginning of the ceremony also featured a presentation of colors by the Columbia County Young Marines and a singing of the National Anthem performed by Tessa Killebrew.
After the National Anthem, VFW Post Commander Scott Miner reflected on the day’s meaning and the generations of Americans who have defended the nation.
“As a nation, we owe a profound debt to our veterans and their families who have shouldered the burden of defending our freedom,” Miner said. “We must care for those who have served and ensure their sacrifices are not in vain by living up to the patriotic values they defended.”
Grovetown City Council member and U.S. Army veteran Ceretta Smith also delivered an address at the ceremony, connecting her family’s long history of service to the broader meaning of Veterans Day.
“When I raised my right hand and took the oath, I didn’t just join the Army, I joined a family,” Smith said. “Veterans Day is about courage and sacrifice, yes, but it’s also about community.”
Smith emphasized that military service continues beyond active duty.
“Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off,” she said. “It continues in how we take care of one another, especially those who have borne the battle.”
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying tribute and the Armed Forces Medley, during which veterans from each branch stood as their service anthem played.
