Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a few dozen veterans and Homer area residents gathered on Wednesday for the annual Veterans Day celebration.

The annual parade started at the Boss Hogz restaurant and continued along Pioneer Avenue. Participants then turned down Main Street and made their way along the Sterling Highway.

A few dozen people gathered after the parade at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center for prayer, speakers, the playing of taps and other trappings of the traditional ceremony. Eileen Faulkner, commander of American Legion Post 16, called the assembled crowd to remember how men and woman over the years have set aside their civil pursuits to defend the freedom of others.

“We recognize service to our country, and our cause does not end with the termination of military service,” Faulkner said. “We continue our endeavors on behalf of an honorable world peace with a feeling of profound gratitude to God and to the men and woman who gave their lives as their part of the cost of this noblest cause.”

Out of the struggles of past wars and conflicts, Faulker said the nation has learned about purpose, sacrifice, tolerance, bravery and discipline.

What started as a ceremony boxed in by clouds and drizzling weather ended with the sun coming out as the last few words were spoken and taps was played.

“In peace, we shall go forward together to scale new heights of achievement,” she said. “In unity of purpose, in sacrifice for the common good, in tolerance for those of different faiths and creeds, in bravery to fight for social and economic gains and in discipline of good citizenship.”

Reach Megan Pacer at mpacer@homernews.com.

Members of the Homer Elks Lodge participate in this year’s Veterans Day parade and celebration, marching down Pioneer Avenue on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2020 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Christine Bond-Hill plays taps during this year’s Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Participants in this year’s Veterans Day celebration assemble at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)