Centerville honors veterans ahead of Veterans Day
Col. Joshua De Paul traveled from the Pentagon to speak to veterans, military families and local officials at Center Park.
CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Veterans and military families gathered at Center Park in Centerville on Monday to honor those who served, with a colonel traveling from the Pentagon to speak ahead of Veterans Day on Wednesday.
The event recognized veterans for their military service. Attendees included veterans’ families, active-duty service members, retired military personnel and local officials.
The keynote speaker was Col. Joshua De Paul, who traveled from the Pentagon to express his gratitude to those serving at Robins Air Force Base and veterans across Georgia.
Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11 and honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The holiday began as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Centerville Councilman Edward Armijo said the city’s proximity to Robins Air Force Base gives the day added meaning.
“Being close to Robins Air Force Base is very special,” he said. “The fact that our mayor himself is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, I’m a retired Air Force master sergeant. We live the military life.”
As Veterans Day approaches, residents are encouraged to take time this week to recognize those currently serving in the military and those who have served.
