Army veteran Frank Fowler of Howland, who served during the Vietnam War, and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 2662, salutes the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.

WARREN — Veterans and residents gathered Monday morning at the city’s First Presbyterian Church to pay tribute to the sacrifices of American service members in a solemn and heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony.

Cari Delgado, the new director of the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission, presided over the event, marking her first event at the helm. She replaced longtime director Herm Breuer, who spent 18 years in the role and left for a similar job on a national level.

Delgado spoke about the seamless transition following Breuer’s long tenure and expressed her desire to continue the commission’s mission of supporting veterans in need.

For her, the day holds significance for several reasons, “Veterans Day, I actually enlisted. My first day in boot camp was on Veterans Day in 1996, so this day holds some special memories for me as well. But it’s just nice to be able to get together with everyone, hear stories, see people we maybe haven’t seen for a few months or even a year, and just kind of catch up.”

Delgado said that beyond the formalities, Veterans Day is about community and connection among veterans.

“It really is just about getting together and, you know, the fellowship between the veterans. … It’s the camaraderie, it’s the fellowship, it’s getting together, saying thank you, and them knowing that they’re appreciated.”

The ceremony, attended by veterans, community members and local officials, was filled with moving tributes, patriotic hymns and memories shared by service members and their families.

The Warren G. Harding High School Madrigals choir led a crowd in singing along to their rendition of “America the Beautiful” and was followed by the Armed Forces medley by the Cortland Community Band.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin addressed the crowd and reflected on the significance of Veterans Day with a tribute to the endurance of service members and the country they protect.

“When the observance of Veterans Day was started over 100 years ago, it wasn’t just about celebrating victory; it was about honoring those who made victory possible,” Franklin said. “We gather at these solemn remembrances to recommit ourselves to the hard work of peace and express our gratitude to those who served.”

Three veterans were honored at the event, each over 90 years old, including Nick G. Panopoulos, 93, who received a certificate of Congressional recognition and a standing ovation from the audience.

“I feel I’m harvesting benefits from what I did,” said Panopoulos, who served in the Army in Korea and Japan and recently traveled independently to Greece.

The other two honorees were Army veteran Robert Horner and Marine Corps veteran William Wagonjack.

Delgado shared insights into the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission’s programs, explaining the new emergency food assistance initiative.

“We’ve partnered with Elm Road Giant Eagle for veterans facing immediate food needs,” Delgado said. “If you’re at home with kids and need food now, we can place an order for you, and it’ll be ready the same day.”

After the ceremony, the community joined a Veterans Day parade, with many veterans reflecting on the importance of the day. Eleven of the 25 veterans featured in the Tribune Chronicle’s weekly veteran series were driven in the parade in cars provided by Diane Sauer Chevrolet.

Larry Smith, a Navy veteran who attended with his family, shared his hope for younger generations to learn from the sacrifices of veterans.

“I wish more kids could have gotten off school today to witness this,” Smith said, “It’s important they understand what’s been done for them.”

Delgado talked about the significance of honoring older veterans, especially as the population of World War II and Korean War veterans declines.

“Veterans are a unique group. We’re our own clique,” she said. “These gatherings are about camaraderie, about remembering and about gratitude. I hope this day leaves everyone with a renewed appreciation.”

The service concluded with a rifle salute by the Disabled American Veterans Honor Guard and a rendition of taps by bugler Garey Watson. As attendees moved to the fellowship room for refreshments, many paused to view a military memorabilia display by the Trumbull County Historical Society.