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WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Bar Association hosted Friday’s Veterans Day Ceremony, with Sixth Congressional District Congresswoman and U.S. Air Force veteran Chrissy Houlahan, at the Historic Courthouse.
More than 200 citizens looked skyward to noisy flyovers by a military helicopter and plane. Organizer Jamie W. Goncharoff, a retired Marine major, noted that what the audience witnessed was “the sound of freedom.” A P-51 Mustang performed a flyover with perfect timing at the end of the National Anthem. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the attendees were awed by the sight and sounds of a UH-1 Huey helicopter as it traveled up High Street and hovered over the ceremony.
Houlahan told the audience that she holds very early memories of the military as she was born on a base. The veteran moved 12 times in 12 years which “wasn’t easy” but instilled in her a desire to serve.
Now the congresswoman has moved from military service to the halls of Congress.
“Continue to serve your community in different ways other than wearing your uniform,” she told the audience packed with vets. “By joining congress I give back in a different ways.”
Houlahan said she is a strong advocate for the armed services in congress.
She helped establish a non-ideological caucus that helps vets find and work with each other.
Houlahan has worked on mental health and suicide issues and for women vets.
“We are honoring promises to veterans and delivering services,” the congresswoman said. She also pointed to work on the PACT Act that helps locate vets for treatment and eligibility for vets suffering from toxic substance expose.
Locally, the closure of the Coatesville VA hospital was stopped and due to a small portion of the PACT Act, Penn Medicine might help veterans at the shuttered Brandywine Hospital.
Chester County Bar Association President Brian Nagle hopes fellow lawyers–some who served in the military and some who still do–to inspire others, uphold the rule of law and not forget service to the community.
Goncharoff gave the closing remarks and talked of veterans who are willing to serve the country.
“We don’t all have to join the military,” he said. “Our obligation is to give back and make the world a better place.”
Goncharoff talked about freedoms and liberties.
“So many people take our freedoms for granted,” he said. “We should never take what we have for granted.
“Don’t take our freedoms and democracy for granted.”
District Judge Gregory Hines sang “God Bless America” and “Make Them Hear You.”
“For those veterans who have passed on, it is our responsibility to keep their memories alive,” Hines said.
There was Presentation, Posting and Retirement of the Colors by West Chester University ROTC cadets and a Presentation of the Service Colors, with music for each branch.
The WCU Incomparable Marching Band performed the National Anthem and other music.
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