AHOSKIE – The rainy conditions Wednesday didn’t stop many Ahoskie citizens from taking the time to remember Veteran’s Day.

A large crowd gathered at the Hertford County Post 102 building on McGlohon Street to pay their respects to veterans of all wars during an 11 a.m. service.

Post 102 Commander John Bracy welcomed those in attendance before the Hertford County High School JROTC posted the colors. Captured Hearts then sang the National Anthem before Bracy led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Chaplain the Rev. Mike Reid of Native American Christian Church in Winton then led in prayer and Captured Hearts gave a rendition of “God Bless America.”

American Legion Division One Commander Ros Whedbee, who is a former Post 102 Commander, then spoke reminding those in attendance of the price paid by veterans for freedom.

Whedbee specifically spoke about those in Hertford County who had served their country and given their all in support of freedom.

Speaking of freedom, Whedbee said, “God give it to us, but it is up to us to go after it.”

Whedbee then reminded the group there was no “I” in either team or leader and talked about the important work of the American Legion as a whole in honoring and serving veterans.

The District One Commander said he was proud to serve with the Green Berets and that he was also pleased that he brought back every man who ever served under without loss or death.

Whedbee then took time to honor each of those who served in the armed forces. He called for those to stand who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and those who served in the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He also talked briefly about the reforming of the American Legion Post 102. He said he and others began talking about it and then told those in attendance how he became the first commander.

“George Stokes from Edenton was the District Commander,” Whedbee remembered. “He walked in past my secretary without saying who he was, dropped a cardboard box on my desk and said, ‘you are now the commander of Post 102’.”

Whedbee then talked about the growth of the post and gave specific credit to Sgt. Major (Ret.) Johnnie R. Farmer for helping the post grow.

Those who have passed away in the recent years were also honored by Whedbee. He recalled the service of James T. “Jimmy” Johnson, the Rev. Val Melendez, Thomas “Buck” White and W.M. Odom.

In closing, Whedbee said he was proud of the Ahoskie post.

“Ya’ll have made me some kind of proud this year to be your commander,” he closed.

Others on the program included Ronnie Lee Umphlett, Elmer Vann and Carroll Mizelle who sang.