Singing “God Bless America” during a Veterans Day ceremony in Mexico were, from left, veterans Bob Lambert (U.S. Army), Richard Doherty (Air Force), Marcel Martineau (Marine Corps), Lew Irish (Army) and Nick Kelley (National Guard).

The key note speaker during a Veterans Day ceremony in Mexico was Arthur Roy, Past State VFW Commander, from Post 1603 in Auburn.

The Symbolism of the POW-MIA Table was conducted during a Veterans Day ceremony in Mexico by Kurt Thurston, Area 2 Commander, and Carol Roach, American Legion Auxiliary Post 24 Executive.

Local Scouts waved American flags as they performed songs for the veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony in Mexico.

MEXICO — A Veterans Day ceremony was held held Saturday at the Mountain Valley Middle School.

The key note speaker was Arthur Roy, past State VFW Commander, from Post 1603 in Auburn. He said, “There is a unique group of citizens who have selfishly stepped forward to protect the rest of our nation, bravely ensuring our safety, security and well-being.”

That group is “a mear 7 percent of Americans who have ever served in our Armed Forces, who we celebrate today.”

“It is because of their dedication and sacrifice that we celebrate Veterans Day to recognize and honor those who have placed country above self, who have determined the safety and security of others is more important than their own, and who have also done their duty by taking their place in line, just as generations of military men and women have done in the past,” said Roy.

He said on this day, we honor the contributions and sacrifices of the more than 23 million veterans and service members “who have proudly served our country and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of liberty and justice.”

Roy said that in the future, you may be confronted by the question: What is it that veterans have done, exactly?

“I encourage you to respond with a smile and say simply, around the world, veterans have broken the shackles of tyranny, smashed the chains of bondage and freed entire nations of oppression.”

Attending veterans were escorted to their seats by local Girl and Boy Scouts.

The Mountain Valley High School band, directed by Michael Prescott, performed the “Armed Forces Medley.”

The national anthem was led by the Rumford Association for the Advancement of Performing Arts Conductor Gail Dorr. “God Bless America” was sung by Elaine Michaud.

The symbolism of the POW-MIA table was conducted by Kurt Thurston, Area 2 commander, and Carol Roach, American Legion Auxiliary Post 24 executive.

There was a moment of silence to remember the end of World War I at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. “Taps” was played by Hart Daley.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net