Miss Ohio 2011, Ellen Bryan, was this year’s Master of Ceremony. She sang the U.S. national anthem to over 300 people and ended the program by singing God Bless America.

“In my opinion, Veterans Day is the most important day to give thanks in our country. Veterans Day is a dedication to America’s servicemen and women. A dedication to the debt we owe to warriors lost, disabled, and to all of our military forces who continue to defend freedom around the world, men and women who have honorably served throughout our nation’s history who stood and continue to stand fast in the face of a determined enemy and defeat them with unwavering discipline. Most people don’t know what they experience. They don’t know what these soldiers endure in combat, nor do they understand the selflessness and love of the brothers besides them. Men and women within this community bring the fight to the enemy, engage aggressively, and stand their ground. These men and women could have chosen a life of prosperity and chased every opportunity afforded by our great nation. Giving life as they live it, they chose to leave these pursuits behind and devote themselves instead to a higher calling — courage, sacrifice, and dedication to the United States of America” said Wesley Holm, owner of Thompson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.

This year’s check was accepted by Marc Burgess, executive director of DAV’s national headquarters in Cold Spring, Ky. “People in the tri-state area have come to know that Thompson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is a leader in their industry. For years now, they’ve also been a local leader in terms of their support of disabled veterans and their families,” said Marc Burgess, executive director of DAV’s national headquarters in Cold Spring, Ky.

“Through their ongoing and ever-growing support, we’ve been able to ensure those who’ve served and sacrificed on behalf of our nation both here and around the nation are receiving the benefits and services they’ve earned.”

Publication date: 12/26/2011