Celina Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Those Who Served

To Listen to the services:

Click Here

CELINA — Community members gathered Tuesday for Celina’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The program marked the 107th anniversary celebration of Veterans Day and recognized veterans from every generation, including those who served during World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Celina High School Band performed the national anthem and later played the official songs of the military branches. Veterans were invited to stand when their branch was recognized.

Pastor Craig Flack of Celina First Church of God delivered the invocation. Flack asked those attending to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and to remain worthy of the freedoms they helped secure.

Karl Hagaman, commander of VFW Post 5713 and the Ohio VFW Department chaplain, served as the ceremony’s featured speaker.

Hagaman earned his VFW eligibility through service in the United States Army during the Gulf War. He has been a VFW member for 35 years and has held several elected and appointed positions at the local, district, state and national levels.

He has also been recognized as an All-American post commander, All-State post commander and All-American district commander.

Hagaman recently attended the opening of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington, D.C. He said seeing the memorial completed after 35 years provided an important sense of closure.

During his address, Hagaman explained the significance of Veterans Day and its distinction from Memorial Day.

“Veterans Day is not just another day. It’s not Memorial Day. This day is for the living,” Hagaman said.

He noted that Veterans Day traces its history to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the fighting in World War One ended. Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all Americans who have worn the nation’s uniform.

Hagaman said the day recognizes those who served during war and peace, on active duty or in the reserves.

“It is a chance to pause and say with one voice, your service matters,” Hagaman said.

He also recognized the sacrifices made by military families, including long periods of separation, uncertainty and concern for loved ones serving around the world.

Hagaman urged the public to do more than thank veterans. He encouraged residents to listen to their experiences, support veterans organizations and advocate for proper healthcare and other services.

The ceremony also remembered prisoners of war and the approximately 81,000 American service members who remain unaccounted for.

Hagaman recognized Tom Leininger, who has received the James P. Romanis Award, one of the highest honors presented by the Ohio VFW.

The program included the placement of memorial wreaths, additional remarks honoring veterans and a ceremonial rifle volley.

Flack concluded the ceremony by praying for active-duty military members serving around the world and for the families awaiting their safe return.

A luncheon was held at VFW Post 5713 following the ceremony.