Tribute to veterans
Brig. Gen. Jerry G. Beck Jr. gives the keynote address Friday during the Veterans Day program at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township.
The shadow of the American flag is cast alongside headstones Friday in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township.
CECIL – Surrounded by rows of white headstones and American flags snapping in the wind, thousands gathered in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Friday to pay tribute to the men and women of the armed services.
Keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Jerry G. Beck Jr. reminded the crowd that while the holiday does honor those who died in combat, the day was set aside to thank all those who served honorably, in war and peacetime.
“In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty,” Beck said.
After a moment of silence for Canonsburg police Officer Scott L. Bashioum, a veteran who was killed Thursday in the line of duty, a singing ensemble from Canon-McMillan School District performed an a cappella rendition of the national anthem, followed by a keynote address from Beck.
Born in Canonsburg and a graduate of the former Monongahela High School, Beck is the former commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and served as the deputy adjutant general, Army.
“Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on Earth, and it is impossible for us to put a price on that,” he said. “Although many people have suffered the cost of freedom, it is the veterans who have paid the most through their dedicated and selfless service throughout the years of our nation.”
Beck remembered the more than 1.3 million soldiers who died fighting, from the first skirmishes of the Revolutionary War to the current crises in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“No matter what the cost, someone must raise their hand and take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of this United States against all enemies,” Beck said. “Those of you who have served should be very proud to be among those 10 percent of our population that have taken that oath.”
In addition to speeches from local elected officials, Canon-McMillan’s band and bagpiper Kate Matthews performed. A wreath presentation and the performing of Taps brought the program to a close.
“We remember all those veterans who have paid the highest price of freedom, but today we also give thanks to the thousands of veterans who survived,” Beck said. “To those veterans who are here with us today, I say, thank you. Thank you not only for your service, but the countless mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who have borne this sacrifice with you, as well.”