Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service Amid Snow

On November 11, despite snow showers, community members and many veterans gathered at the snow-covered Chardon Square gazebo for the annual Veterans Day ceremony. The event was hosted by Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519 and Chardon American Legion Post 167.

“Veterans Day is a day to thank those who served this beautiful country,” said Michele Pemberton, Geauga County Veterans Services director. She welcomed veterans before the ceremony with hot coffee and donuts.

Pemberton recalled her early experience giving a Veterans Day speech in harsh weather, saying, “It was snowing and I couldn’t feel my hands to turn the pages or my lips as I spoke. Yet, there was a crowd of veterans and civilians standing shoulder to shoulder. As soldiers, we are trained to adapt to weather and our surroundings, so we ‘suck it up and accomplish the mission.’”

Speaker Highlights Military Career

Steve Oluic, Chardon VFW quartermaster and master of ceremonies, shared his background. He developed interest in Army ROTC during his final years at Case Western Reserve University. After graduating, he was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer.

Now in his 19th year of service, Oluic was assigned as assistant professor of geography at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and later became assistant dean of strategy and policy.

Community Support in All Conditions

The ceremony demonstrated strong community support for veterans, undeterred by the cold weather or snow, emphasizing the respect and gratitude extended to those who served.

Author's summary: The annual Veterans Day ceremony in Chardon showcased dedication and resilience, honoring veterans through harsh weather and expressing deep communal respect for their service.

Geauga County Maple Leaf — 2025-11-12