GREENVILLE — A large crowd gathered outside the Darke County Courthouse on Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces and hear a call to support veterans long after the ceremony ends.
Cooperative weather welcomed veterans, families, and community members to the downtown observance, which featured patriotic music, military honors, and remarks recognizing the sacrifices of service members and their families.
Greenville Mayor Jeff Whitaker opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and thanking veterans and community members for coming.
The Greenville Senior High School Marching Band performed the national anthem as the American flag was raised, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Guest speaker Thomas Pitman, Director and County Veterans Service Officer for Darke County Veterans Services, emphasized that honoring veterans requires more than an annual expression of thanks.
“Our responsibility does not end when their military service ends,” Pitman said.
A Darke County native and Tri-Village High School graduate, Pitman served in the Air Force from 1986 to 2010 and retired as a senior master sergeant. He described his work helping local veterans as an honor and a privilege.
“We gather at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honor the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” he said. “But behind that familiar phrase are real people, real sacrifices and families whose lives were changed by military service.”
Pitman reminded the crowd that veterans are woven into everyday life throughout Darke County. They are neighbors, business owners, teachers, parents and friends encountered at church, in grocery stores and at Friday night football games.
When called to serve, he said, they left familiar surroundings and loved ones to accept responsibilities greater than themselves.
Some served in combat, while others maintained aircraft, repaired equipment, treated the wounded or kept supplies moving. Each role contributed to the mission, he said.
“Every assignment carried responsibility. Every person contributed to the mission,” Pitman said.
He also recognized military families, noting that service often meant missed birthdays, empty chairs at Thanksgiving and children growing up while a parent was deployed.
“We honor those families, too,” he said. “Their patience, strength and sacrifice helped make that service possible.”
While thanking living veterans, Pitman also remembered those who have died, particularly those who never returned home.
Drawing on his work with hundreds of veterans, he urged community members to listen, offer encouragement, and help connect veterans with assistance.
“If you know a veteran who is struggling, reach out,” Pitman said. “If someone has questions about benefits or needs help navigating the VA system, direct them to our office.”
Sometimes, he said, meaningful support begins with letting a veteran know someone cares or taking time to listen to a story.
Ben Thaeler, district director for U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, also attended the observance. Thaeler said participating reflects the congressional office’s commitment to veterans and the communities that support them.
“Constituent services are a big deal for our office, so we help veterans every day with issues with the VA to get those resolved and give people the benefits that they are owed and deserve,” Thaeler said.
He said community observances help preserve an understanding of the sacrifices behind the nation’s freedoms.
“A community that celebrates its veterans makes for a country that is always thinking about the cost of freedom,” Thaeler said.
Thaeler said Davidson’s military experience helps inform the office’s work with veterans, including those living with wounds that are not visible.
That perspective, he said, helps staff better understand how to serve current and former members of the armed forces.
The courthouse ceremony concluded with a three-volley rifle salute, Taps, and a benediction. Those attending were then invited to a bean soup luncheon hosted by Greenville American Legion Post 140.
Pitman encouraged the community to carry the spirit of the observance into everyday life.
“Let us honor veterans through our actions, our kindness and our commitment to one another, 365 days a year,” he said.
