At an annual celebration of Veterans Day hosted at the American Legion Post 20, veterans and dignitaries spoke of the history and importance of the holiday while offering their gratitude to the veterans both present and otherwise.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10046 Cmdr. Dave Dewey led the gathering, speaking first before overseeing a schedule of ceremonies, dignitaries and prayers.

Dewey opened the celebration with a discussion of the history of Veterans Day — from its roots as Armistice Day in the aftermath of World War I to its recognition as a national holiday.

“The people here are veterans, friends of veterans, family of veterans, coworkers of veterans and neighbors of veterans,” Dewey said. “It is up to us to ensure that every veteran believes that his or her service to this country is respected by their fellow Americans. There are many tangible ways that we can acknowledge their sacrifice. The easiest is to simply say ‘thank you for your service to our country.’”

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, during the ceremony offered thanks to veterans — people who offered their service to their community.

“Although I have not served, it’s important to me that I take the time to remind my own kids and the kids I have in my classrooms through the years that veterans are the people that provide us with opportunity,” he said.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche, similarly, credited veterans for American freedoms, like last week’s election. He said that Veterans Day is for celebrating that freedom, caring for those who have served as they deal with the potential impacts of that service, and educating young people about the sacrifices borne by veterans.

Multiple prayers were offered during the celebration by American Legion Post 20 Chaplain Mike Meredith. A presentation was offered for those missing in action or prisoners of war. A poem was read by Jim McHale of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. A rifle salute closed the celebration.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10046 Cmdr. Dave Dewey speaks during a celebration of Veterans Day at the American Legion Post 20 in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks during a celebration of Veterans Day at the American Legion Post 20 in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a celebration of Veterans Day at the American Legion Post 20 in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Jim McHale, representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart, speaks during a celebration of Veterans Day at the American Legion Post 20 in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

American Legion Post 20 members lead a salute during a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)