The rain may have altered the original plans for the Guthrie County Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony, but that didn’t deter residents from honoring the bravest and finest in Guthrie County. Around 50 veterans, family members, and Guthrie County residents packed the Guthrie Center American Legion hall Saturday.

The ceremony began with the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. After the invocation by Reverend Gary Freeland, veteran Mike Arganbright spoke about the state of veteran’s affairs in Guthrie County. Arganbright said the County has done extremely well in honoring the sacrifices of veterans and explained the relationship between those who have and those who have not served. “Remember, those left behind are the ones that kept our country, communities, and families together and functioning, while the veteran was away. Some have never served, but have been the ones who have kept things going while veterans served.”

The ceremony concluded with a round of applause for each branch of the military, a benediction by Freeland, and the playing of Taps.