The speaker at Tipp City’s annual Veterans Day service told young people attending from L.T. Ball Intermediate School that they are “the beacon of our future and our Democratic freedoms.”

Lt. Col. Brad Kennedy spoke to a crowd of people of all ages Friday, Nov. 10, at Veterans Memorial Park at Hyatt and Main Streets.

Among those attending were fifth graders from L.T. Ball, whom Principal Mike Vagedes said had been “immersed in learning about patriotism.” Activities included learning about the lives of veterans and participating in a recent mock election.

"You are our role models and heroes,” Vagedes said to veterans. “You’ve taught us to put others before ourselves.”

The program also included the reading of essays by two students recognized for their veteran-related essays. Addison Holloway was recognized for first place, while Noah Knapke was recognized for second place. Both essays focused on relatives’ service.

Also during the ceremony, Lt. Col. Dan Carroll and his daughter, Paisley, placed a wreath at the park’s memorial.

Speaker Kennedy began his comments by explaining the difference between May’s Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day.

Memorial Day is a solemn day as those who lost their lives in combat are remembered. Veterans’ Day is a celebration of individuals living or deceased who have or are serving in times of peace and in war.

Veterans’ Day began with the armistice that ended World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day became known as Veterans’ Day in the 1950s.

“We celebrate those that have answered a calling, that have served honorably, that have defended our homeland, protecting our loved ones, our families, making all things possible that we enjoy in this country – peace, freedom and opportunities,” Kennedy said.

There are approximately 19 million veterans in the country, with about 13 percent of those being women, whose numbers are increasing.

Kennedy reminded those attending that freedoms people take for granted are not universally accepted. “Those that are answering the call … Our values, our ethics, the professionalism of our force, our service members get the job done in a fiscally restrained … environment,” he said.

Kennedy told the young people that some of them will someday answer the call to serve. “You need to do your best because you are the beacon of our future and of our Democratic freedoms,” he said.