Speaker at Veterans Day ceremony quotes JFK

The featured speaker at Tuesday’s annual Veterans Day ceremony downtown quoted the late President John F. Kennedy in appealing for support for veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces.

Kennedy, as part of his 1963 proclamation in advance of Thanksgiving, said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson also addressed the gathering Tuesday and expressed appreciation to the veterans.

“The promise of freedom that we wake up each morning — freedom to worship, to speak, to learn and to dream — exists because you defended it,” Roberson told the veterans gathered. “In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, your devotion to service remains a source of stability and hope.”

Roberson noted that many of the veterans gathered for Tuesday’s ceremony continue to serve the community in ways that are inspirational.

“You volunteer, you mentor, you build community, you support fellow veterans — and you push all of us to be better citizens and better neighbors,” he said. “Rocky Mount is stronger because of you. Thank you.”

Roberson also said that the sacrifices of the families of veterans are felt and honored as well.

“You have shouldered long nights, long deployments and long prayers — and we recognize you and we thank you,” he said.