In 1918, World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

“I know its trivial information, but not so just to remember these veterans over the years,” said Select Board member Stanley Mickelson at the town’s sixth annual Veterans Day ceremony held at Memorial Grove Monday, Nov. 11. “And many of them sacrificed their lives so we could be here today.”

Renamed from Armistice Day in 1954, Veterans Day has spent the last 70 years honoring the sacrifice of those soldiers. In those 70 years, many more have answered the call to defend America’s national security, freedom and interest, said Dartmouth Veterans Advisory Board Chair Robert Mahowald, adding how he wondered how many more would do so over the next seven decades and how much sacrifice they would be asked to make.

“Something that occurred to me very often in the course of my 27-year career is that many more people than we think are actually extraordinary, but few give the opportunity to truly test their mettle,” Mahowald said.

He said he’s seen ordinary people put through tests of physical courage, moral resolve, brutality and kindness, who pass with strengths they never knew they had deep down inside them.

He added then these folks join back with the citizen population, “asking them for no further thanks than the opportunity to do their part.”

“We can’t stop the wheels of war, but we can hope for peace, fostering and advocating for it,” Mahowald said, adding they can also pray for the safe return of every soldier.

“In return for that bravery, we as a nation commit to a sacred promise to make whole those forever changed by service,” he said. “Let the 70th Veterans Day be a reminder of what we can do — what duty and gratitude require of us.”

Mahowald, quoting former President John F. Kennedy reminded the crowd, the true highest form of appreciation is not just to “utter words, but to live by them.”

To show their appreciation, Troop Scout Zander Chartier delivered a message on behalf of the Troop & Cub Scout Pack 74 of North Dartmouth from Smith Mills Church.

Extending their “heartfelt thanks,” the Troop and Pack presented the Blue Field of Stars to veterans “as a living representation of the ideals they fought for,” Chartier said.

Dartmouth Veteran Service Officer Matthew Brouillette said although this is the sixth ceremony the town has had at Dartmouth Memorial Grove, which sits next to the Maria Connor Center for Active Living, it’s the first time it's been in the parking lot.

Brouillette said the ceremony fills up quite fast and the parking lot lends the space needed for both attendees and the Dartmouth Community Band, who performed a few songs, including the playing of “Retreat” and the “National Anthem.”

The grove was designed as a place for reflecting and honoring veterans. Mickelson highlighted how his own father has a place in the grove, adding the space is a “proud part of the town of Dartmouth.”

Brouillette said he appreciated those who came out, including Dartmouth’s first responders and those who brought military vehicles. 

“It’s nice seeing familiar faces here and it’s great that the Friends of the Elderly are catering afterward,” he said. “It’s a nice event”