Ocean Pines residents gather to honor veterans

About 300 residents gathered  Wednesday morning to honor men and women who have served in our nation’s military.

This was the 12th Veteran’s Day ceremony held by the Worcester County Veterans Memorial.

Worcester County attorney John “Sonny” Bloxom was this year’s guest speaker. Bloxom is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, serving as a Deck Officer in the Merchant Marines for nine years. 

He is also a retired Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Memorial co-founder Sharyn O’Hare said she was thrilled to see so many younger folks participating in this year’s ceremony.

“We can’t learn unless we know what’s happened in the past.” Says O’Hare. “Our children need to know that freedom isn’t free. It’s an overused comment and we hear that a lot but it’s true. We have to respect our people that are here to defend us. We have to fight for our freedoms.”

There will be Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines at 10 a.m. on Saturday.