Northampton Borough’s annual Veterans Day ceremony was held Nov. 8 at the memorial plaza, 14th Street and Washington Avenue. The event is hosted by Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, Catholic War Veterans Post 454 and American Legion Post 353.

The three veteran organizations of Northampton are referred to as the Joint Veterans Association of Northampton. They work together to assist veterans and keep a focus on veterans and their families.

VFW Commander Larry Schlittler was the master of ceremonies. Schlittler, a dedicated longtime leader of the Northampton veterans events, commanded the agenda.

Joan Glover, CWV second vice commander, sang the national anthem and was followed by an opening prayer from Deacon James Ngo, of Queenship of Mary Catholic Church, at 1324 Newport Ave. Ngo is studying to eventually advance his Holy Orders to become a Catholic priest.

Schlittler provided opening remarks that concluded with him addressing attendees and veterans present.

“On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Catholic War Veterans and the American Legion of Northampton, all Northampton residents present, thank you all for your dedicated service,” he said in addressing veterans present for the program.

Glover reviewed the items of the POW/MIA table. She explained the meaning of the various items placed on the table for those veterans who are missing in action or were prisoners of war. For a detailed explanation about the items on the POW/MIA table, visit U.S. Department of Defense website at defense.gov.

Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash shared remarks, saying it is because of those who served and fought for our freedom that we have free and open elections without violence. He added Northampton is a patriotic town, as evidenced by the hundreds of banners honoring veterans mounted on poles around the borough. He closed by thanking all who attended the service.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, said Veterans Day is a day of thanks. He thanked the families of service members who make sacrifices, so their loved one can serve in our country’s military. Veterans all over the country are honored on Veterans Day. Mako said President George Washington once said the colonial veterans he led in the Revolutionary War deserved a thank you.

“To all veterans today, I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Mako added.

VFW Sergeant-at-Arms Jonathan Wolfel led the honor guard gun salute.

Taps were played by buglers Franklin Wolfel and James Olesak of the VFW.

Bagpiper Gene Kutzler played the moving song “Amazing Grace.”

Schlittler then provided his closing remarks, thanking all who attended and the veterans who sacrificed in their service to the United States.

The event ended with the playing of the song “God Bless the USA.”