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SCRANTON – This morning, area veterans, their families, and local and state dignitaries gathered in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse to honor those who have served our country.

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Maryann Hogan, Dunmore, holds an American flag at the Koch-Conley American Legion Post 121 Veterans Day memorial ceremony.

Shelby Fisk / The Times Leader

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The Koch-Conley American Legion Post 121 hosted the Veterans Day memorial ceremony that took place at 11 a.m. 

Wreaths from veterans’ organizations were placed in the Lackawanna County Veterans Memorial Plaza. The ceremony was led by A. Joseph Albert, Koch-Conley commander. Speakers included Lackawanna County Judge Thomas J. Munley and Monsignor Constantine Siconolfi, founder and former executive director of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Scranton.

The ceremony concluded with the NEPA Detachment of the Marine Corps League’s rifle salute.

“Today is a day to celebrate, but it is a celebration tempered by the reality that what so many of you have been through and what your families have been through,” Casey said to the crowd. “Today really is a day for gratitude and renewal.”

Casey urged that commitments to help and honor veterans should be renewed. Lackawanna County Commissioner Michael Washo, in his address with fellow commissioner Corey O’Brien, said the commissioners have helped increase the “profile and presence” of the county’s Veterans’ Affairs office.

“We’ve had cuts all over county government, but there have been no cuts in the veterans’ area and, in fact, there have been increases in that area. We’re here to say that that will continue,” Washo said.

Robert Schultz, Scranton, who attended the ceremony said his father  fought in Normandy, France, on D-Day on June 6, 1944. He was pleased to see so many gathered at the ceremony.

“It’s good to honor veterans,” Schultz said. “If it wasn’t for people like my father and other people who have served and that are serving, there wouldn’t be a country today.
“I was 9-and-a-half-years old when my father passed away. I don’t remember that much about him, but I’ll always remember that he served,” he continued.

Joseph P. Perry III of Dunmore said he served in the Army. He joined the Army after his father served and they were both stationed in Germany. His son, now in the Army, is stationed in Germany today.

“We put them in harm’s way. Our country owes them (honor),” Perry said.

“I’m here for all those who have served our country,” said Maryann Hogan, Dunmore.

Hogan said that her 18-year-old son is serving in the Army and is stationed in Georgia. Hogan’s husband, uncle and other family members are also veterans.

She said ceremonies such as this serve as a reminder.

“Freedom," Hogan said, "isn’t free.”