CLEVELAND (WJW) — In a heartfelt ceremony at Cleveland City Hall, veterans, community members, and families gathered to honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s heroes on Veterans Day . The event, filled with tributes, personal stories, and community pride, provided a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment displayed by those who have served.
Map: How many veterans live in Ohio?
The day began with a somber moment of reflection and ended with a celebration fit for the occasion. Bagpipes played, marching bands performed, and the crowd paused to remember both those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
During the ceremony, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb expressed deep gratitude for the veterans in attendance, saying, “You represent the best ideals not just of our city, but the best ideals of our great country.”
One of the most moving parts of the ceremony was the honoring of two local officers who lost their lives in service. The families of Officer Jacob Derbin and Officer Jamieson Ritter received special awards recognizing the officers’ sacrifices, both as members of the military and as police officers.