Reaching out to show appreciation for veterans in the community was a theme of the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Fountain Park Veterans Memorial on Nov. 11.

Keynote speaker Ellen Flanary, GySgt, USMC, Ret. told those attending that after her retirement she put the military behind her but recently came around to advocating outreach to those who have served and are in pain.

“Connect with vets to ease their burden,” Flanary said. “Respect and appreciation has been earned by all veterans.

“They have made sacrifices so we can live our dream here in America.”

Flanary said she learned to make a connection by being a good listener, having honor and respect for the invisible injuries as well as physical and recognizing their sacrifice by showing appreciation in meaningful ways.

Rick Young, Department Commander, Arizona AMVETS, talked about the rate of suicide among veterans. He said that the commonly quoted number of 22 veteran suicides per day misses many who may be homeless, choose “suicide by cop,” or those who have no family to confirm they are veterans.

Approximately 200 turned out for the ceremony on the plaza of the Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park. All three Fountain Hills veterans organizations participated.

John Schwab, commander of American Legion Post #58, led the event. Debbie Fisher provided music leading the National Anthem, “God Bless America” and played Taps.