Despite the stormy weather, the town still managed to put on a good show for its veterans Wednesday morning.

Though the Veterans Day parade was cancelled, the ceremonies still took places inside Town Hall at 11 a.m. Chaplain Ervin “Tootsie” Russell, a veteran himself, led the ceremonies, and several veterans and notable officials addressed the crowd.

Selectman Judith Whiteside talked of veterans’ “unyielding dedication”, and reminded the audience that not all the veterans to be honored that day were among them, due to them making the “ultimate sacrifice – their lives.”

“Our veterans stepped forward, when America needed them most,” Whiteside said. “In answering history’s call … our veterans have shown the power of liberty, and earn the respect and admiration of a grateful nation.”

Rep. Susan Gifford spoke of the Stolen Valor Act, a measure engrossed by the House, that would make it illegal for anyone to “falsely claim military service credentials for personal financial gain.” The House also passed legislation “prohibiting the sale of veterans grave markers.”

“As far as I’m concerned … we can never do enough to honor the service of our veterans and active duty military personnel,” Gifford said. “I am proud to have supported these bills.”

Strawn’s speech largely recalled his time in the service. Though Strawn served in the Korean War, he never saw combat, due to his late period of service, he said he never ceased thinking about his fellow soldiers who did see combat.

“You’re just a kid when you’re over there,” Strawn said. “I think of all the fellows that have seen combat, and what the heck they must have gone through. It was tough when I was first over there.”

Strawn also acknowledged the role of family, saying it would have been next to impossible to serve without familial support.

Following addresses by veterans Commander John Roderick of the Dudley L. Brown VFW Post in Onset, and Joseph Capello of American Legion Post #220, the ceremonies ended with "Taps", and a musical listing of all the wars in which the United States has officially fought.