111125...R WAR-VETERANS 2...Warren...11-11-25...The theme of today's Veterans Day at First Presbyterian Church was women that served...Guest speaker Retired Lt. Colonel Genevieve Germaniuk presents the Public Health Service Emblem to Trumbull County Veterans Services...by R. Michael Semple

WARREN — Women who served their country in the military were among those honored Tuesday at a special Veterans Day ceremony at First Presbyterian Church of Warren.

Nearly 100 people gathered in the church sanctuary, where veterans were honored and a special recognition was given to women veterans.

Allen Briggs, a Marine Corps veteran, said everyone will remember this Veterans Day because of the snow. The parade, sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle, was canceled because of the snow and slippery roads.

Briggs said Veterans Day honors all veterans, but it is important to remember the women who have served this great country in all military branches.

“The women gave of themselves to serve our country,” he said.

Women veterans were asked to stand at the event and received applause.

Genevieve Germaniuk, a retired Lt. Colonel of the Army Nurse Corps, said when she was 11, she spoke with her father — a World War II veteran — and said she one day wanted to serve her country.

It was recommended that Germaniuk study nursing.

“I had the honor of serving our country with brothers and sisters in uniform,” she said.

Germaniuk said she and others studied for the bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

She said when she served, there was a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood with the organizations she is involved with today.

Germaniuk said she encourages women veterans to share their stories of their military service just as she has.

“I give my permission for women to tell their stories. One way to tell your story is through the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. We want to hear the stories of your mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and others,” Germaniuk said.

She said it is important for women military personnel to have their stories heard because in the past they often were overlooked.

She presented a large public health service emblem to the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission in Warren to be hung in the main conference room.

Briggs said he and Gemaniuk both attended the dedication of the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington in 1997.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin asked those in attendance to look around the large church and see what a community is and the peace and freedoms that we all enjoy every day.

“To the men and women who have served, your presence is truly our greatest honor. You made the choice to serve. We honor your passion and what you have done. Veterans, we thank you for your leadership, your sacrifice and your courage. We are truly forever in your debt,” Franklin said.

Kevin Patterson with Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 said the day honors the many veterans with us today and the memories of all those who served who are no longer with us

“We are thankful to our veterans, the worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called to serve and protect our country. Bless them for their unselfish service to preserve our freedom and safety. We thank them for the sacrifices they made,” Patterson said.