The Miami Valley Veterans Museum held its first annual Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11, honoring first responders as well as veterans and current service members in all branches of the armed forces.

“It’s a day etched in our collective memory; a day that challenged our resolve and united us in a spirit of resilience and hope,” Colonel Robert Lewis, U.S. Army (retired), said. “On that tragic day, we witnessed the profound sacrifice of first responders and ordinary citizens who, in the face of unimaginable danger, displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness.”

“Their legacy is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring values of freedom and justice that define our great nation,” he said.

Hosted by the Miami Valley Veterans Museum, the Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony featured remarks by Lewis and museum Vice-President Mitch Fogle, and an induction ceremony for U.S. Army recruit Zoe Kesling of Troy.

“As we honor those who lost their lives and those who have been forever changed by the events of 9/11, we also pay tribute to the countless veterans and active service members who have served with unwavering dedication,” Lewis said.

“We’re especially honored to welcome a new generation of individuals who are ready to take up the mantle of service,” he said.

Kesling was joined by U.S. Army recruiters Staff Sargent Mark Moore and Staff Sargent Jonathan Anderson from the Piqua Recruiting Station.

“I’m so excited,” Kesling said after receiving the Oath of Enlistment. “I’m nervous too, but more excited.”

“My grandpa served,” she said. “My dad was Army, and my brother is also serving right now in the Army.”

The ceremony was held at the Miami Valley Veterans Museum on South County Road 25A, which plans to host the event annually in the future.

“We’re quite happy with the turnout,” museum Vice-President Mitch Fogle said. “For the first time, this is a pretty good turnout.”

“I think it was wonderful,” Executive Director Amy Cost said. “I think it was a great turn-out.”

“I’m a Gulf War veteran,” she said. “I love the fact that we remember 9/11.”

The Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony served two purposes, Fogle said.

“One was to honor recruits coming into the military today,” he said, “and also to pay tribute to the patriots of 9/11, and the first responders who sacrificed their lives to get everyone out of the building, and to honor the families who are still suffering from that event.”

Founded in 2010, the Miami Valley Veterans Museum is a non-profit organization with a mission to honor all U.S. Military Veterans past, present and future, preserve history by displaying memorabilia and artifacts from all branches of service, provide a place for veterans to meet, and feature educational outreach programs visiting schools, senior centers and other organizations.

The museum features a collection of over 10,000 military items provided by local veterans and their families, and also hosts regular events including Coffee, Donuts and Fellowship on the First Wednesday of every month.

“It’s about preserving the memories and the honor of our veterans,” Cost said. “Our slogan is to honor, preserve and perpetuate.”

“That’s what it’s about; helping veterans, connecting veterans, and safeguarding their souvenirs,” she said. “Their military memories are safe with us.”

he Miami Valley Veterans Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and tours can be arranged by special request. The museum is currently planning several other upcoming events, including the Red, White and Duel dueling pianos fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 28 and Dancing with the Miami Valley Stars on Saturday, Nov. 9.

More information can be found online at www.miamivalleyveteransmuseum.org.