By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK – City officials and local veteran groups honored the nation’s past service members Nov. 11 during a Veterans Day service at the city’s memorial near Outer Drive and the Southfield Freeway.
Joining American Legion Post 409 of Allen Park and Post 472 of Melvindale were the Melvindale Police Department Honor Guard, who posted the colors and provided a gun salute.
Trumpeter Melanie Walker, an Allen Park High School senior, played during the ceremony.
Post 409 Commander John Keating served as master of ceremonies, and Allen Park Mayor Gail McLeod provided the keynote speech.
The mayor said the gathering recognized and expressed appreciation for the men and women who have served in the armed forces.
“November 11 is significant because it is the day when World War I hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” McLeod said. “The 11th is also significant because it was on Sept. 11, 2001 11, 2001, that America was attacked and thousands lost their lives.
“I am sure that many of our veterans enlisted in response to that attack, and we thank them for that.”
The mayor said she also wanted to recognize women veterans.
“All too often, when we think of veterans, we think of men, but women have fought for our country dating back to the Civil War,” McLeod said. “On this day in 1865, Mary Edwards Walker became the first woman awarded the Medal of Honor for her work as a surgeon during the Civil War.”
She said that last year the Henry Ford Museum had an exhibit that honored the nearly 350,000 American women who served during World War II.
McLeod also recognized Navy veteran Lori Galloway and her husband Ken Galloway, a Marine veteran.
“To those who have served, we are eternally grateful for your service, for your love of country, for your sense of duty, and for protecting all that we hold dear,” she said. “Thank you for your sacrifices and for your dedication; you honor us with your service.”