ESCANABA – Military veterans were honored Monday by members of the Delta County Veterans Council. A program was held at 11 a.m. at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Escanaba.

“They sought neither fortune nor fame. It was merely a simple love of America and the freedoms we all cherish so much,” said staff sergeant Craig Barnhart of the Michigan National Guard. Barnhart was the featured speaker at the event.

Barnhart graduated from Escanaba Area High School in 1990 and joined the National Guard. He continues to serve in the 1430th Engineer Company in Gladstone. In 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan for a year.

Talking about a veteran’s dedication to service, Barnhart called for all people to volunteer in their community.

“I have always felt it was an honor to serve my country and I continue to serve today, both in the military and in my community. I encourage all of you to volunteer your services to any number of endeavors. We can all make a difference in our community,” said Barnhart.

The Veterans Day program was lead in prayer by Chaplain Jerry Hausmann of the Marine Corps League. Commander Rene Lippens lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Addie Peterson, a student at the Escanaba Area High School, sang the National Anthem.

Flag Corps from the various veteran organizations lined the room during the program. Their leaders were introduced by Dave Wilson.

Fred Charles of the Marine Corps League rang the bell three times for those soldiers and sailors lost at sea. AMVETS Post #123 lead by commander John Anderson provided a gun salute. Taps, played by Brian Wood, ended the program.