CAMBRIDGE – Governors Hall was filled this past Saturday, to honor and remember the service veterans gave to our country. Veterans past and present and the unfortunate fallen were honored at the Veterans Recognition Day at Sailwinds Park.

The Hall was filled with displays, many remembrances of wars past, with large placards of photos that were both nostalgic and heartbreaking. Men and women in uniform joined the displays to visit with attendees and tell their stories. There was also a “USO Show to provide entertainment to the “troops.”

This was the 16th annual event put on by the Veterans Recognition Committee, who call themselves “The Crew.” The Crew dedicates the event each year to American Military, Veterans, firefighters and law enforcement, and Homeland Security personnel, to honor and thank our nation’s heroes.

The ceremony began with the playing of Taps on the trumpet, the Pledge of Allegiance and a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. A prayer by the Rev. George Ames was heard and a variety of speakers came forward. A memorial wreath was presented to Frank and Faye Fraley of the American Legion Post 243 from Hurlock. A color guard made up of veterans, law enforcement and firefighters marched the flags into the hall.

Adjutant Ralph Cordrey of the Sharptown American Legion Post 218, a Vietnam war veteran, was the guest speaker for the event. He stressed the importance of friends, saying “It was with the support of friends that got me through the good and bad times.”

Commendations were given by Senator Richard Colburn, Delegate Addie Eckardt, and Dorchester County Councilman Rick Price.

“I always say a nation that forgets its veterans will itself one day be forgotten,” said Colburn, an Army veteran himself, “It is important that we do honor those who not only gave the supreme sacrifice but those current veterans who serve this country so well.”

Veterans Recognition Day queens Miss Victory Carley Fraley, Junior Miss Victory Rebekah Yockey, and Little Miss Victory Cara Cameron were also in attendance. The appreciators of loud noise were thrilled by Bill Smith and his cannon, which was fired (outside the doors) at the beginning of the event.

It was a moving tribute, a job well done by The Crew to honor the efforts of America’s heroes.