A touch of winter’s first chill was in the air Monday morning as residents, veterans, and employees of Carbon County gathered in Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe to honor the brave men and women who served the country.

During the county’s annual Veterans Day program, keynote speaker District Attorney Michael Greek, who achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Army before being honorably discharged to pursue a legal career, called for the area to thank the small percentage of men and women who chose to stand and enlist.

“Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor those who serve this great nation,” he said, noting that whether these men and women enlisted, were drafted, saw war or served during peacetime, they are all heroes.

He pointed out that veterans are a special breed, with less than 10% of the population having served in a branch of the military, and less than 1% of the population currently serving.

“They represent every economic, ethnic and religious background; come from every state and territory; but they are all bound by one common thread — a commitment to defend America, even with their life if called upon,” Greek said. “That’s why we honor veterans today, for having the courage and strength to do what the vast majority of Americans are unable or unwilling to do.”

He recognized his grandfather and father, who also served in the military, as his inspiration for his own career paths.

“General George S. Patton said ‘It’s foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died, rather thank God that such men live,’” Greek said. “I thank God for our veterans today and on this Veterans Day, my fellow veterans, this day is for us, for those like us ... a band of brothers. Thank you for all your service. May God bless each and every one of you.”

In addition to Greek, state Sen. David Argall and Rep. Doyle Heffley, as well as Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein addressed those in attendance.

“We should be proud and honored to have the military personnel we have here today and all over the world,” Nothstein said. “They serve our country voluntarily, not because they were drafted, but because they wanted to serve.

“To the families of veterans and current service members, we say thank you for your sacrifices of your military loved ones.”

To the veterans, Nothstein told them, “to stand proud.”

The event also included remarks from Christine LeClair, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs in Carbon County, who welcomed everyone to the event and did the invocation; as well as musical selections performed by Angela Nardini.

Palmerton veterans served as this year’s color guard.

Carbon County’s Veterans Day events conclude on Sunday with the annual Veterans Day Parade, held in Lehighton this year. The event was postponed from last weekend.

Step off is slated for 2 p.m.