The ceremony, held in Triangle Park on Saturday afternoon, featured Clinton County Assistant Veterans Affairs Director Jeff Croak as Master of Ceremonies along with words from state, county and city officials and guest speaker Master Sergeant Monica Anderson.

“This program is a biannual celebration of our town’s heroes — military members and veterans who protect us from harm abroad and at home, alongside our first responders and healthcare workers who keep us safe at home,” Croak said to those gathered.

Croak expressed his thanks to those who came out on such a beautiful day to honor our hometown heroes before the Jersey Shore VFW Honor Guard presented the colors.

Once presented, the National Anthem was sung by local veteran Amy Kowatch before an invocation was spoken by Pastor Frank Hartzel.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Master Sergeant Monica Anderson, of the United States Army Reserve, was this year’s featured guest speaker.

Welcoming remarks were started by state Senator Cris Dush.

Dush, a retired Master Sergeant from the 193rd Special Operations Wing in the Air National Guard, thanked everyone for being there. Honoring veterans, active military and first responders is close to Dush’s heart. Not only is he a veteran, but he noted his son is active duty and currently serving in the Air Force.

“For me, these events are always something personal,” he said.

Dush emphasized this personal connection is something that runs deep, explaining his cousin was killed in action in Vietnam during 1968. He then asked all Vietnam Veterans in the crowd to stand before offering a salute and thanks.

“These banners, like the bridges we sometimes dedicate, are here to remind us. They remind us of something that’s very special about this country,” Dush said, speaking of the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Celebrants of all ages were in attendance at this year’s ceremony.

He challenged the adults in the audience to continue to educate themselves and young people about the importance of the sacrifices made by local veterans and share their stories.

Next to speak was State Representative Stephanie Borowicz.

Borowicz opened her remarks by noting ceremonies like the one on Saturday were some of her favorites.

“It really brings to light the unsung heroes of America, in small town America,” she said.

She noted many of the heroes weren’t typically in the limelight but were still integral in the fight for freedoms.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Triangle Park was filled with speakers, guests and onlookers during a packed ceremony.

“This enables us to see them in their banners and to know their stories,” she continued.

Borowicz spoke of a recent visit to Valley Forge, where her son was able to lay in a bunk used by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. She expressed how impactful that experience was in understanding how important veterans and active military have been in shaping the country and protecting its citizens freedoms.

“It’s an eye opening experience,” she said. “This ceremony right here in small town America reminds us of the unsung heroes. The real heroes.”

Next to speak was Commissioner Jim Russo.

Russo noted he’s attended Hometown Heroes Ceremonies since they first began in 2007.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The ceremony concluded with the retrieval of the colors by the Jersey Shore VFW Honor Guard.

“Thank you to all the veterans. They go in as children and they come out as warriors and then come home and try to deal with everyday life,” Russo said.

He also thanked first responders, noting the recent loss of three Pennsylvania State Policemen in York County this week.

He expressed his thanks to first responders, “the volunteers that run in a burning building for free to save our lives.”

“Not one of us today would be here without first responders and the warriors that defend this country,” he said.

Next to speak was Commissioner Angela Harding.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Lock Haven Mayor Joel Long was among the speakers.

Harding’s remarks touched on the connection of all Americans.

She asked everyone to remember the moment they were in.

“This moment right here, right now as we all stand here together. Because there’s no debate in honoring our heroes, no debating in honoring brave men and women,” she said. “This moment has no politics, no division, there’s no conspiracy and no sides. In this moment we are all one. Thankfully, grateful, indebted Americans.”

Next to speak was Lock Haven’s Mayor Joel Long.

Long expressed his appreciation for area veterans, and the impact the Hometown Hero Banner program has had on the community and the Commonwealth.

He noted the program, brought about 17 years ago, has grown and sprouted movements in other communities across the state.

“We were trend setters. I’m proud that I was able to be involved from day one to do something like this,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to remember we have so much more in common than we do our differences.”

Long thanked all those who served and those who came out Saturday to support those who served.

Long’s words were followed by special guest speaker, Master Sergeant Monica Anderson, of the United States Army Reserve.

MSG Anderson’s speech focused on what makes a hometown hero.

MSG Anderson, who works with the military honors program, performing TAPS at funeral services for veterans across the state, said this service made her begin to question the criteria of a “hometown hero.”

“Is it a matter of they raise their hand and accept the duty, the challenge and the commitment,” she asked.

She directly quoted the words that are said to a late veteran’s family when handed an American flag: “On behalf of the President of the United States, United States Army and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of appreciation for your loved ones honorable and faithful service.”

MSG Anderson noted those words are said at every funeral, whether a veteran served one day or 20 years, was sent on missions abroad or was stationed at home.

Anderson’s words reflected the wide range of individuals who choose service to their country — whether a man or woman, a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ community — and how they all still fall under the hometown hero classification.

She touched on an individual’s perception of a hometown hero, whether that is someone who may be in uniform or in everyday clothing.

“You can have a perception of what a hometown hero should look like,” she said.

She spoke about how often someone’s idea of a hometown hero is rooted in their connection to an individual.

She encouraged everyone in attendance to consider their idea of a hometown hero and what that looks like to them, challenging them to keep in mind the variety of individuals who choose to risk their lives for their country each day.

“The sweeping brush of hometown heroes absolutely covers anybody who is willing to see something greater than themselves and commit themselves to it and be everything they can for the people around them,” she said.

She further touched on the difficulties many veterans can face when returning from active duty, encouraging everyone to check in on their loved ones and friends and show their support.

She concluded her speech expressing her gratitude for the Hometown Heroes program and seeing the banners, honoring individuals for their service.

“Thank you to all the hometown heroes here today. All of you. Regardless of your status, your background, your history, you have earned the title hometown hero even if you don’t feel it,” she said.

Following MSG Anderson’s speech, Croak and Kowatch — who served on the Hometown Hero Banner Committee — presented banners in honor of the late Captain Cody Myers.

“For those who may not know, we lost a local hero earlier this year, Captain Cody Myers. Before his passing, Captain Myers served as an Army ROTC National Guard Liaison Officer with Penn State University,” Croak said. “His distinguished career spanned over 16 years, beginning as an enlisted soldier. He deployed in support of Operation New Dawn in 2011 and later transitioned to the ROTC in 2013, where he continued his service as a commissioned officer.”

Several members of Captain Myers’ family were present for the presentation, where his mother, Sandee, and wife and children were presented with banners in memory of Captain Myers and celebrating his legacy.

The heartfelt presentation was followed by a benediction from Pastor Hartzel, who noted no one is alone in life, as God is always with them.

Following the pastor’s words, the closing remarks were completed by DLH Board President Laura Jameson.

“It’s an honor to be here with all of you as we celebrate our local heroes. I feel like the banner presentation for Captain Cody Myers shows just how important our heroes are and the connection that they have within our community,” Jameson said.

She thanked the individuals who are represented on the banners now hanging in downtown Lock Haven and along the levee walkway system for their sacrifices along with their family and loved ones who supported them.

The ceremony concluded with the retrieval of the colors by the Jersey Shore VFW Honor Guard, the playing of TAPS by MSG Anderson and a performance by U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran Sergeant John MacMillen on the bagpipes.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding was among the speakers.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Clinton County Commissioner Jim Russo was among the speakers.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Pa. State Senator Cris Dush was among the speakers.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Downtown Lock Haven Board President Laura Jameson was among the speakers.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Pa. State Representative Stephanie Borowicz was among the speakers.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Pastor Frank Hartzel led an invocation near the beginning of the ceremony.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The National Anthem was sung by local veteran Amy Kowatch.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Members of Downtown Lock Haven Rotary club and Scouts from Troop 711 were on hand to help serve at the snack table after the ceremony.