For nearly two decades, Carefree has hosted a Veterans Day event featuring speakers and music. This year is no different as the town is holding its Honor and Gratitude event 3–5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St.
The occasion will feature music from multiple groups and individuals, including local high school junior Ava Cohen. Youths from Imprints of Honor will also be in attendance.
In addition, Chief Master Sgt. Chuck Lee, a former United States Air Force veteran, along with Master Sgt. Scott Ford, a former U.S. Army veteran, will speak at the event.
Ford served 21 years in the Army, from 1993 to 2014. He was a Green Beret for 18 years and received a Silver Star for his role in the Battle of Shok Valley in Afghanistan.
He grew up in rural Southeast Ohio in what he described as a “very patriotic area.”
His father, along with two of his uncles, served in the military. He said he always respected their service.
“I was ready to get out and do something beyond the small community,” Ford said. “I loved the small community that I lived in… But I wanted to see the world.”
During his service, Ford traveled to over 40 countries. He did combat tours in Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia.
He said it’s important to treat veterans as individual people and not a conglomerate.
“While they are a part of a bigger group of veterans, and I’m saying that people stereotype, but every veteran is a person and you have to approach it that way,” Ford said.
He added some veterans certainly have had their struggles and continue to struggle, but not everyone is the same. Ford has been in many combat situations but said he’s “perfectly fine.”
During this event, one of the things he’s going to be talking about is what Veterans Day means to him. He’s looking forward to talking to the community about the holiday from his perspective.
“I take the opportunity to remember the people that I served with,” Ford said. “And, to me, it’s about our country.”
Carefree Mayor John Crane stated in an email this event gives the younger generation a chance to learn about “citizenship, duty, courage, civic engagement and service.”
“All these values build character and will serve them well throughout their lives,” he stated. “When young people witness ceremonies, interact with veterans, and learn the history behind their sacrifices, they develop a deeper appreciation for citizenship, service, and the responsibilities that accompany freedom.”
Ford added he was serving during Sept. 11, 2001. While he acknowledged it was a “unfortunate situation,” he saw one major positive from it.
“The positive out of 9/11 was the unity in our country and the patriotism that came,” Ford explained. “How do we, with all the troubles in the world today, how do we keep the momentum going with that. I think the biggest thing you can do on Veterans Day is to love and respect our flag and our country.”
“We would like our veterans and active-duty personnel, as well as their families, to know that we are grateful for their service and sacrifices, not only on Veterans Day, but every day,” Mayor John Crane stated in an email.
He added this will be shown by the Carefree residents at the event.
“By providing opportunities for attendees of all ages to learn about military service, hear veterans’ stories, and participate in ceremonies of respect, we ensure that the contributions of veterans remain part of our identity,” he stated.
Reporter Zev Black can be reached at zblack@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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