Military Vets Honored in Hampton

“These living veterans want nothing in return for their service to their country. But we are better than that. That is why we are here today,” said American Legion Post 35 Commander Ralph Fatello.

More than 100 residents came out early Wednesday morning to the Marine Memorial Statue at Hampton Beach to honor the sacrifice and commitment of the nation’s military personnel.

It was just one of four Veterans Day observances Post 35 held throughout the day in Hampton Falls, North Hampton and Hampton.

Fatello told the audience that Veterans Day is a time to honor all living and breathing veterans.

“Men and women who served our country; some during times of war and others in time of peace,” Fatello said. “Some who stand before you are still active in the military, but most are not. Many years have past since they wore their uniforms.”

Fatello said those veterans remember and long for the days when they served.

“Not because they enjoyed being at war or the loneliness of being so far from home,” Fatello said. “They yearn for a deeper meaning. They miss it because it was their own personal defining moment in their lives. They became the men and women they are today due in large part of their time spent serving their country.”

This year’s guest speaker at the ceremony was Hampton’s own Capt. Michael Edgar, a former member of the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (the SEABEES).

Edgar retired from the Navy recently after 26 years because he reached his 62nd birthday, the mandatory retirement age for officers.

Edgar said there are currently 307 million Americans, but only 2.4 million in the military.

“That is less than 1 percent of Americans,” Edgar said. “So few are now being asked to shoulder the burden. Many of our active duty served multiple deployments.”

Edgar said that is why it’s even more important to give thanks for their service as well as the 23 million living veterans.

The captain said he recently had the opportunity to meet troops in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The attitude and quality of our military personal will make you proud and smile,” Edgar said. “They are a national treasure and should be treated accordingly.”

As part of the ceremony, veterans from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism assembled to salute the fallen. A rifle squad fired three rounds, and taps were played by Mark Weatherby of Hampton.

His niece, Elaine Weatherby, 12, of Hampton, had earlier sung the national anthem as the Color Guard presented arms.

Veterans Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the Armistice of World War I in 1918, when major hostilities ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.