Local veterans who served their nation were honored on Monday morning with a Veterans Day ceremony in Goodwin Park.
Following a parade that marched down Islington Street, local veterans, their families and friends gathered in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial.
Mayor-elect Robert Lister said he preferred to share a simple handwritten note to thank all of the men and women who are serving in the military around the world.
"You are truly our heroes for generations young and old," Lister said.
Navy Capt. John J. Lund, the business and strategic planning officer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said the city and the shipyard have a proud patriotic heritage that dates all the way back to the Revolutionary War.
Lund said he joined the service after he did some humanitarian work for earthquake victims in South America and found himself in jail for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He said that experience made him realize that in order to enjoy the freedoms and rights, "we have to fight for them" and "we can never take them for granted."
Lund said the proud military tradition of defending America is being carried out very well by the current generation of military men and women.
"The youth of America are a force to be reckoned with and they are doing very well," Lund said. He added that if anyone ever doubts this they should visit an aircraft carrier.
"On behalf of the United States Navy and the Armed Forces, I would like to say thank you for all that you do for us," Lund said.
Lund and Lister then placed a wreath in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial before a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps by members of the Portsmouth High Clippers marching vans followed. "Amazing Grace" was also performed by a bagpiper who is a member of the Nam Knights club.
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