Wicomico County community honors veterans and remembers their sacrifices
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — Wednesday marks Veterans Day, and Wicomico County community members and veterans gathered to honor and remember the men and women who have served our country.
Freedom comes at a cost. For millions of Americans, that cost has been measured in years away from home, sacrifices made and lives forever changed. Wednesday morning, the community paused to honor those who served.
Army veteran Dolores Gray said she is grateful for her military experience.
“I’m so glad that my life went the way it did. I would not change anything. Really,” Gray said.
Gray served for 26 years. This year’s ceremony marked her first Veterans Day event in a long time.
“My son was killed in the Navy in 1982, testifying in a drug case, and thank God I was on active duty because his guys supported me 120% during my hard times. I’m glad I was in the military,” she said.
Along with Gray, many family members of veterans gathered at the Wicomico County Civic Center to honor their loved ones.
Deborah Kay Collins, who grew up in an Air Force family, said the ceremony holds special meaning for her.
“I’m an Air Force brat, and it means a lot because I used to come here with my dad and uncle and other family members, and now they’re all gone. And for me to keep it in my heart is I want to remember them and do as much as I can,” Collins said.
Collins attended the ceremony as a Gold Star family member, having lost a loved one who served. From one generation to the next, military service has carried a special meaning for American families.
United States Coast Guard veteran and Brother in Arms Motorcycle Club member Michael Michelsen said his family has seen three generations of military service.
“It really means a lot to me because of, not only me being a veteran, but my father, my uncles, my grandparents,” Michelsen said.
As the community honors those who served, veterans also shared words of encouragement for those still fighting for the country’s freedom.
Michelsen offered a message of support.
“Keep your chin held high. We love you. We support you and keep doing what you’re doing because there’s a lot of love for you,” he said.
