Veterans who put the needs of the nation first when they served in the nation’s armed forces have earned the right to be put first now, said the Rev. Tierian “Randy” Cash, a former national chaplain of the American Legion and adjutant of the North Carolina Department of the American Legion.

“They put others first,” Cash said during the Veterans Day observance at Veterans Memorial Park in Washington, adding it’s time for the nation to return that favor. “It is up to all of us to ensure all veterans feel that their service is appreciated. … We need remember that because of their sacrifices, Veterans Day is Freedoms Day.”

Cash told of a recent incident he experienced: “The other day, I was walking my dog around the capitol grounds in Raleigh. I came upon a new device, a new monument. It was called Veterans For Peace. I went up to the individual who was putting this monument together and asked them this question: ‘Aren’t all veterans for peace?’ I said to him, ‘The men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces have done so to perpetuate peace and freedom in our world.’ He said, ‘What about Isaiah, chapter 2, verse 4? It says, “And He shall judge among the nations and He shall rebuke many people, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift swords against nations, neither shall they learn war anymore.” I told him that day, one day that shall come to pass. I believe that with all my heart. There will a time when all nations will lay down their arms. … That day is not today. Until that time, American veterans will continue to be peacemakers and to be peace keepers and to perpetuate freedom throughout our world.”

Washington resident Chris Furlough sang several patriotic songs, accompanying himself with a guitar he borrowed from a neighbor, who fought at Iwo Jima during World War II. Area Scouts spoke the numbers of Americans who fought or died in wars since World War I.

The color guard of the Greenville-based General George Washington chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution North Carolina Society presented and retired the colors. John Pack, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former director of Beaufort County Emergency Management, delivered the closing prayer.

The observance was organized by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15.