He said, “I’m not a veteran, but Veterans Day means a lot to me, my family, this city and this country.”
He said his father went into military service in 1943 and returned home on Christmas Day in 1945.
Senter read what his father wrote about returning to the United Sates entering through New York Harbor. He read, “I had been praying for this day……next I saw the Statue of Liberty standing silently welcoming us home.”
Congressman Joe Donnel-ly, who sits on the House Veteran Affairs Committee, called for a standing ovation for the servicemen and women in the audience. Donnelly said, “They sure deserve it. We have heroes in our midst.”
Addressing the veterans, Donnelly said, “God bless you and thank you. You have saved this country.”
Former Plymouth Mayor and Veteran Jim Yeazel told the students and staff in the audience that he was a Navy Air Crewman in World War II.
Yeazel said, “World War II Veterans are dying off at 10,000 a month.”
Local attorney and former Army Officer Rick Huff shared a small portion of his duties as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam.
Huff challenged the students to honor veterans saying, “Remember your veterans — especially on Veterans Day. Think about them from time to time and remember what they have done for you.”
He added, “There are Vets all around you. They don’t look like John Wayne, Matt Damon or Brad Pitt. They look like everyday people. The experience of each veteran is different. Each war is different, each battle is different.”
He briefly reviewed some of the events of  Iwo Jima then Donnelly presented certificates of appreciation to two Veterans in the audience who had served on the island. Awards were presented to Lester Read and Gene Boos.
Huff said, “They fought the fight and came back to be good citizens like they want you to be.”
He ended his remarks saying, “Love your country and be proud of it.”
The PHS choir shared a musical number written in honor of returning veterans.
The PHS band performed some of the numbers that they have showcased during the marching season this year. Director Bryan Ames said their program was entitled “Impressions In Granite.”
He added, “It is sub-titled “Heroes Fallen — But Not Forgotten.”
Several members of the band were wearing shirts depicting the Viet Nam Memorial Wall.
Closing the ceremony was a presentation of a wreath in memory of those who have fallen.
After a moment of silence, “Taps” was played.