Veterans, military families and members of Fort Pierce Central High School's JROTC gathered in Fort Pierce on Wednesday for a Veterans Day ceremony honoring those who have served and those still in uniform. The event recognized service in the United States Armed Forces and the support military families provide.
Dennis Mallon, who served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, remembered his best friend, who joined the Marines and died while serving. "I lost my best friend," Mallon said. "He ended up going into the Marines, I ended up going in the Army, and he did the ultimate sacrifice. To this day, I miss him."
Vietnam veteran Dave Kauffman, who served in 1968, reflected on how the reception for veterans has changed. "When we came home from Vietnam, none of this existed. We were not welcomed home, and I think we learned from that, and we won't make that mistake again. It's heartwarming to see people coming out," Kauffman said.
Cynthia Shelton, an Army veteran who served from 1987 to 2021, represented American Legion Post 171 and emphasized continued support for service members. "One of our members is deployed at this time, so we are also keeping her in our prayers because the wars are always going to be there, so we have to always show up and do our part," Shelton said. Retired U.S. Army veteran Zachary Pressley also attended to support veterans and said he was glad to participate.
Recent graduate Private First-Class Jason Salinas attended alongside members of Fort Pierce Central High School's JROTC. Salinas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to follow veterans' footsteps and continue their legacy, as well as for the support of his friends and family. The ceremony's guest speaker, Sergeant Major Brian Huston, U.S. Army (Retired), thanked veterans and those still serving for answering the call.