CAMP BLANDING – U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean surveyed the wind-swept audience at Tuesday’s Veterans Day Ceremony at Camp Blanding. He saw a mix of grizzled veterans and children, all huddled to stay warm and to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who’ve served in the military. 

“You could be anywhere. Most of you got the day off,” Bean said. “Kids aren’t in school, yet you chose to come here to celebrate, to honor and to say thank you for your service. 

“We also have a duty to teach the next generation what true service is and devotion and to value the veteran service and military sacrifice. Ronald Reagan said, ‘This freedom is one generation away from extinction.’ Freedom and the sense of honor and appreciation are not passed through blood. It’s only passed when we teach the next generation what’s at stake.” 

The annual event followed a trend of unusual weather. Two years ago, it rained throughout the hour-long speaking engagement. Last year, it was unusually hot. On November 11, the temperature never rose above 50 degrees. Added with a brisk wind, it felt brutally chilly. 

But the stands were still filled. 

“I want you all to know that Florida has more veterans than any other state, except Texas,” Bean said. “Florida is No. 2. The congressional district that I serve in, that we are in right now, is in the top five out of 435 congressional districts.” 

Other speakers included County Commission Chairman Betsy Condon, Superintendent David Broskie and Camp Blanding Joint Training Center Cmdr. Col. Jason M. Hunt. 

Clay County and the Camp Blanding Museum sponsored the celebration. It included free exhibits, tours of the museum, and displays of military equipment throughout the museum complex, as well as vendors and lunch at World War II prices, prepared by attorney David King, County Manager Howard Wanamaker, former County Commissioner Doug Conkey, and Thrasher-Horne Center Executive Director Bob Olson. 

Bean summed up the meaning of Veterans Day by reminding everyone of the dedicated service provided by millions of soldiers since the country’s founding. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, before the sun rose over Normandy, before the snow fell in Korea, before the jungles of Vietnam echoed with battle cries and before the dust settled after 9-11, there were Americans who stood up, raised their hands and said, ‘I will serve.’ Veterans Day is the time to commemorate the valor and sacrifices of the courageous men and women who enlisted in our Armed Services, and fought to protect and preserve our American liberties, values and way of life,” he said. 

“It is on this day that we salute our fearless patriots who have kept America safe. We remember the men who ran ashore the beaches of Normandy to end World War II; those who fought in the snows of Korea; and those who bravely fought in the impenetrable jungles of Vietnam, as well as the men and women who were called to serve in the aftermath of 9-11. 

“Because of our veterans’ unselfish dedication, unmatched valor and unsurpassed devotion to our nation’s values, we the people have the opportunity to experience life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is because of you, our veterans, that our hearts burst with pride, our enemies shiver in fear and America flies on the wings of freedom.”