The annual City of Santa Clarita Veterans Day ceremony featured speeches from both veterans and members of the Santa Clarita City Council on Sunday.

The ceremony, hosted by City officials and the Veterans Day Committee, allowed members of the community to gather in the Veterans Historical Plaza in Old Town Newhall to honor the city’s veterans, as well as to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I.

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the Bells of Peace rang out in Santa Clarita and across the nation in commemoration of the centennial of the official end of World War I.

Mayor Laurene Weste was one of the speakers on hand for the event and reflected on the sacrifices that have been, and continue to be, made by veterans and active service members.

“Let it be known here today that we honor all veterans and all who have ever served to keep our nation free,” said Weste. “For those boys 100 years ago, over 300 from L.A. County who did not come home, we have not forgotten you or your sacrifice.”

The afternoon’s proceedings featured a reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields” and a musical performance of “Over There,” both produced during World War I.

Additionally, the event included a performance of the national anthem, a recitation of the pledge of allegiance and the changing of the flag by the Knights of Columbus and the Vietnam Veterans of America, assisted by the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines.

David M. Jackson, retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army, was the event’s special guest speaker, and offered his thoughts on the importance of service and honoring veterans.

“We are a nation of service and we cannot forget that,” said Jackson. “We have this amazing community here; it’s why I elected, with my wife, to retire to this community two years ago. They recognize their veterans, they have good family values, amazing schools, great parks and an incredible local city government that understands the value of family and service.”

The afternoon concluded with the official song of each branch of the military in honor of the service members of each of those branches, both active and retired, as well as their families.

For more information about how to give back to Santa Clarita’s veterans, visit any of the following veterans organizations: American Legion Post 507, Blue Star Mothers of Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita Veterans Service Collaborative and the local branch of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

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