GREENWOOD – Although the gathering was smaller than in the past, the reason behind Thursday’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Jackson-Silver American Legion Post in Locke Mills was the same: to remember and honor American men and women who served their country so all Americans can live in freedom.

“Americans around the world today pause to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who joined the United States Military to protect our freedom,” said post Commander Dan Grover in giving his welcoming remarks. “We believe in our strength on the field of battle. And we recognize that our endeavors may lead to fulfilling the dream for an honorable and lasting world peace.”

Following Grover’s welcome, prayers were offered in honor of the veterans of all wars ,including men and women of the armed services currently fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

After the opening, a flag-folding ceremony was presented by members of the Legion. Bethel’s Community Band, the Mahoosuc Music Makers, offered a rousing rendition of “Marches of the Armed Forces.”

The message of keynote speaker and Korean War veteran Herbert Dunham was the Veterans Day not only honored the veterans of World War I and II but also veterans who fought in the Korean War for Koreans, the Vietnam War for the Vietnamese, in Kuwait for the Kuwaitis, “and the veterans who are now fighting for the Iraqis.”

Dunham served in combat for about a year during the Korean War and was wounded three times before coming home. He also received a Purple Heart. He told how difficult it was to serve outside for days on end in the extreme cold of the Korean winter, then having to endure days and days of monsoon rains in the spring.

“The weather in Korea is a lot like here in Maine,” he said, “and we had to endure whatever the weather turned out to be.”

The ceremony also included several patriotic songs, a flag-retiring ceremony, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.