- November 20, 2024
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Veterans are ordinary people that do extraordinary things, said retired U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Pierre Louis during the city of Ormond Beach's Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 7.
"We're here to applaud each and every one of you that's taken that charge and that order for service," Louis said. "We thank you. I thank you. It was an inspiration for my life, an inspiration for a number of people and a number of things."
Louis was the guest speaker for the luncheon event, which was held at the Ormond Beach Senior Center. In addition to his speech, the city provided live music by The Blue Notes band and a proclamation presented by Deputy Mayor Harold Briley.
He stressed the importance of honoring veterans from all walks of life, and points in time — including the homeless veterans in need, those battling post-traumatic stress disorder, and those serving time behind bars. Louis volunteers as a mentor in the Tomoka Correctional Institution.
"Regardless of the situation that you're in today, you served and we still always honor that," Louis said.
Veterans take the leadership when it's needed, he said. He called them "solution experts." That's what they gathered to celebrate.
"Solution experts all over this room, wearing different uniforms," Louis said. "But ultimately, regardless of the colors that are there, I only see red, white and blue."