COLUMBUS, Ohio — Despite a rainy day on Sunday, many gathered in the parking lot of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for a Veterans Day rally.
Instead of the typical parade, Ohio MilVets decided to change up the Veterans Day celebration with guest speakers, entertainment and food outside the museum.
“I think this is an important event for all Americans to come together on behalf of our veterans so it is an uplifting event,” said Bryan Rothenberg of MilVets.
It was an opportunity for veterans to share their stories of military service and for others to listen.
“I got to meet a lot of cool people, what they did in the military, how their experience was in it,” said Staff Sgt. Cameron Wear, a freshman at the Fort Hayes Education Center in the Air Force Junior ROTC program.
He and several of his fellow students were tasked with leading some ceremonies and the pledge of allegiance.
They got to meet veterans like Warren E. Motts who runs the Motts Military Museum in Groveport, where he collects artifacts and stories.
“I want stories, I want images of people who were in this. We don’t just have a bunch of weapons and that stuff but we have got the stories behind each one of those things,” he said.
Motts explained it is important especially for younger generations, like the members of the Junior ROTC, to learn about veterans.
“Think about the sacrifices that have been made and I think that is the good part of Veterans Day and it does make people think about what the heck is Veterans Day if they don’t know,” Motts said.
The students left with perspective on veterans’ sacrifices and respect for the service members who have come before them.
“Putting their lives out there, that is the most selfless thing. People out there putting their lives, leaving their family behind, leaving their friends, leaving their comfort behind to go out there, help people out, fight for their country, that is a generous thing. I respect all the veterans out there,” said Cadet Hajaratu Kamara.
On Monday, the 6th annual Veterans Day ceremony will take place at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum starting at 11 a.m. Ohio State President and Navy veteran Ted Carter will serve as the keynote speaker.