Dr. Jerome Kinzey told the Veterans Day audience in Junction City he stood before them in freedom in a world of democracy.
Kinzey said that veterans and their families served to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Right now there are about 19-million U.S. veterans, which comprise less than ten percent of the nation's population. Kinzey said we need to constantly be reminded of the gift of freedom, and "those who gave all to ensure future generations know life in a free sociey."
Kinzey served as the keynote speaker for the Veterans Day ceremony at the C. L. Hoover Opera House.
Master of Ceremonies Dave Drummond detailed the history of Veterans day, noting that on Nov. 11, 1921 the remains of a Soldier were delivered to Arlington National Cemetery and laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1938 Armistice Day was named an official holiday and in 1954 a bill was approved in Congress naming it Veterans Day.