Millersville Borough will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. The rain-or-shine event will be hosted at Freedom Memorial Park, 9 Shertzer Lane, Millersville, and will include live music, a guest speaker from Millersville University's police department and light refreshments afterward.

Several years ago, members of Millersville's veterans memorial committee felt that the borough needed a way to honor local veterans. On Nov. 11, 2013, the Millersville veterans memorial was dedicated, and the first memorial service was held. The service has been held every year since, with the exception of a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard will begin the memorial service. Before and after the ceremony, the Penn Manor High School jazz band will perform, as well as the school's vocal jazz ensemble, which will sing the national anthem. Members of Penn Manor's military club will also be in attendance, and after the ceremony a class of local fifth-graders will give out handmade cards to veterans.

"We always invite students to participate because it's important for them to remember those who serve and make it so we can live a free life," said Susan McCullough, an organizer for the ceremony. "The kids always take everything in at the ceremony, and I hope some of them will be running it someday."

Millersville University's deputy chief of police, Howard Bauman, will speak during the event. Bauman is a veteran who has served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. Dave Aichele will serve as the master of ceremonies, and snacks and light refreshments donated by John Herr's Village Market will be offered after the service. A wreath donated by Members 1st Credit Union will be placed on the memorial.

"It really is a community event - so many people get involved," said McCullough. "We ask anyone to come spend an hour with us and honor our veterans, as well as those currently serving."

Each year, the borough sells bricks that people may buy and have engraved with the name of a veteran; the bricks are then dedicated at Freedom Memorial Park. This year, the borough will dedicate 11 bricks during the service.