Pouring rain didn't stop those in the Quad Cities from honoring men and women in uniform at the Rock Island Arsenal's Veteran's Day ceremony Sunday.
“We wouldn’t live in this country and have the freedoms that we enjoy today if it weren’t for our veterans,” said Brigadier General John F. Wharton.
Speakers remarked that the rain was nothing compared to what the men and women in uniform go through, and the dozens who stuck it out to pay their respects seemed to agree.
“I hope that they realize that we think about them all the time, it’s not just today,” said Wharton.
The ceremony at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery was just one of nearly 20 different services planned throughout the area. And although the cemetery setting reminds visitors of the past, Brig. Gen. Wharton’s words were focused on the future.
“We recognize them as veterans for their service and what they’ve done for our nation, but we also recognize the other contributions they’ll have long after their service, what they can provide to a community, our nation,” said Wharton.