Photos from Riverhead: ‘Today is truly an American holiday’

The Combined Veterans Committee hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday morning at the First World War Memorial on West Main Street, honoring those who have served and are currently serving in the United States’ armed forces.

Comprised of the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, the committee welcomed Councilman John Dunleavy — himself a Vietnam veteran — to speak at the ceremony.

Below is an excerpt from his speech. Click through for more photos from the ceremony.

“Today is truly an American holiday. It’s the day we recognize the men and women who have fought and worked to ensure our freedom as citizens of this great country. These veterans have played crucial roles in over 20 major military conflicts throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Future veterans are currently engaged in action throughout the world. These men and women wake up each day with one mission — to protect the interests of the United State of America and to ensure the freedoms we enjoy daily to remain protected now and in the future.”