ZEBULON — In a celebration reflective of the solemnity of the occasion, more than 50 people gathered on the lawn of the Pike County Courthouse Tuesday to pay homage to the country’s veterans on Veterans Day.

The program, which was organized by Post Commander Don Bailey of the newly re-formed Pike County American Legion Post 197, included the reading of a proclamation from President George W. Bush.

“American veterans answered the call when asked to protect our nation from the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of danger and enabled our nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history,” Vice Commander Paul Faulds read from the proclamation.

It was Faulds who also spoke to the crowd and explained that Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 because that was the day the armistice was signed to end World War I.

“It was the war to end all wars, but it didn’t work out like that,” Faulds said prior to the start of the ceremony. “But I still think we are doing better as a world and a nation. If we put out these little fires as they pop up around the world, we’re better off than if we get a major world war going.”

Molena resident Marley Lance was one of the first veterans to take his seat for the program. The Vietnam-era veteran served in the Navy.

“We landed Marines,” Lance said, explaining that it’s important to recognize those who served on Veterans Day.

Like Lance, Faulds served during the Vietnam War. And, during his 26-year military career, he served in the Army, Navy and Air Force flying C-97s and C-124s.

“I have friends on the (Vietnam War memorial) wall up in Washington and I can hardly go there,” Faulds said. “It just gets me.”

Bailey also spoke of the significance of honoring veterans.

“I am often told change is the only constant thing,” Bailey said. “The one thing that has not changed is the virtue of those who served and continue to serve.”

After the completion of the first portion of the program, attendees walked over to the memorial that sits at the southwest corner of the courthouse square. On it are the names of Pike County residents who died serving their country in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. It was there that a wreath was laid.

“Pike County citizens continue to stand in the footsteps of the great men and women who came before them,” Bailey said.

The program ended with the lowering of the POW-MIA, Georgia and American flags to half-staff.