Rockwall, TX (November 10, 2023) – This morning, JER Chilton YMCA’s annual Veterans Day ceremony was held with community members, leaders, YMCA staff and board members in attendance for the purpose of honoring all those who served. While Veterans Day is traditionally recognized on November 11, today’s ceremony seemed fitting with the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, and featured speaker, Quint Avenetti CWO5, USMC (Ret.).
After 28 years in the Marine Corps, including tours of duty for Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom, the Avenetti family moved to Rockwall where Quint continues to be in service to the community. A well-known speaker and author, Quint offered a powerful and moving tribute to veterans, eloquently describing the commitment service members make, even giving with their lives, as the “very essence of service”.
Further recounting many generations of service members, and the commitment and trials of each, Avenetti recalled our greatest heroes who remember the islands of the Pacific and the beaches of Normandy. Those who served with courage and a resolute commitment, returned to ticker tape parades, only to be called back to action for yet another bloody war in Korea. Then, to the Vietnam veterans, who served this nation honorably, but returned to an ungrateful nation which was an abomination.
All were and are deserving of our respect and honor.
Our treasured veterans, whether serving in times of peace or war, do so with a commitment that many of us may never fully comprehend. Then, as Avenetti detailed, upon completion of their military commitment, they continue to serve communities and organizations with hard work, leadership, and dedication. Many become great statemen; and all are worthy of our eternal appreciation for the contributions they make to this nation.
Today’s ceremony included a special recognition by Rockwall City Councilman and Army veteran, Clarence Jorif, of veterans residing at Highland Meadows Health & Rehab and Rockwall Nursing Center.
Highland Meadows:
- Army – Doyle Underwood, Harold Bradford, Charles Sanders, James Krumnow, Richard Faulkner, Charles Bealmear
- Navy – Sandra Walls
- Marine Corp – Richard Mase, Robert Myler
- Air Force – Thomas Dunn, Norman Dixon, Philip Ament
Rockwall Nursing Center:
- Army – D. Swanner, G. Trainer
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