Veterans Day Inspires Hope In Orleans

ORLEANS – While in France for their niece’s wedding this past summer, Andrew deLory and his wife used the opportunity to take a trip to Normandy. They visited the American Military Ceremony and Memorial, where they saw more than 9,300 marble white crosses and stars of David. They also walked the length of Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches involved in the Battle of Normandy.

“It was a deeply emotional experience,” deLory said during Monday’s Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, his voice quivering with emotion.

Almost a week after the 2024 presidential election, the sacrifices made by America’s veterans were front of mind for deLory, a retired U.S. Army specialist who served in Vietnam. They also give him hope, he said.

“Whether you’re celebrating or mourning after the recent election, we can have hope and faith that our democratic republic and our constitution will survive,” he said.

In his keynote address, United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Bruemmer reminded attendees of the selflessness that’s central to military service. Service members past and present, he said, put their own beliefs and interests second to those of their organization.

“You learn that it’s not about you,” he said. “You are part of an organization whose goals may be different than yours, but as part of a team, you are called upon to play your part. I and me are not in that mix.”

Kevin Higgins, who chairs the town’s Veterans and Memorial Day committee, added that while established to recognize those that have and continue to serve, Veterans Day is also about supporting military families. The fear that comes with not knowing what may or may not happen to a loved one overseas is “a toll that can weigh heavy” for family and friends, he said.

“And so we honor them on Veterans Day for giving love and support to our veterans so they can continue to be strong,” he said.