By: Jason Walsh II

This year’s Veterans Day was Friday, November 11th and there were a number of events held in the Mercer area to honor our Members of Service.

Thursday, November 10th, Greenville High School held its annual Veterans Day assembly with music, a show, and guest speakers to show their appreciation. On Friday, Veterans and their families were invited to a breakfast event at Sharpsville Elementary to thank them for their service. Mercer Elementary also held a similar event.

Sharpsville borough held its annual Veterans Day parade Friday night as well.

Veterans Day is a national holiday, to honor this day, one of the most influential forms of entertainment in our country reserves the whole month of November to honor those who served. The National Football League uses its platform and popularity to honor and help Veterans and their families with the NFL’s “Salute to Service” throughout the month of November. “Salute to Service is the NFL’s year-round commitment to Honor, Empower, and Connect with our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. It is grounded in deep partnerships with military and veteran support organizations which include the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), United Service Organizations (USO) and Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). Since 2011, more than $58 million has been raised for these Salute to Service partners.” (www.nfl.com/causes/salute/)

President Joe Biden gave a speech Friday to thank and honor those who served, “Today, we honor generations of patriots who have earned the title of “American veteran” — a badge of courage that unites the finest group of former service members the world has ever known. With their selfless sacrifice, our Armed Forces have forged and defended the very idea of America — a promise of freedom and equality, democracy and justice, possibility and hope. We owe them an incredible debt that can never be fully repaid.” (Joseph R. Biden)

Lastly, the Thielensian would like to thank all Veterans and Service Members, along with a special thank you to Thiel Alumni and current Thiel students who serve or have served.