For Colonel Mike Borg, Veterans Day is more than just about honoring those who fought for our country. It’s also about offering appreciation for the friends and family members of all of the men and women in the armed forces.

On Sunday, Borg delivered the main address of Marion’s Veterans Day services, during which he discussed how grateful he was for the people who support veterans.

“Thank you for caring for the soldiers in that way because they do make great sacrifices. We couldn’t have what we do here without those sacrifices,” said Borg, the Senior Army Advisor at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Selectman John Henry agreed.

“You don’t have to wait until Veterans Day to thank a veteran. I commend that to you. Go up and talk to them and they’ll tell you what they did. Not many ask,” said Henry, a veteran of the wars in Vietnam and Korea.

Hosted by the Benjamin D. Cushing Post 2425 of Marion, the annual ceremony included performances by the Sippican School Band and bagpipes by Raquel MacFarlane.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Napoli served as the Master of Ceremonies. Napoli began the ceremony with a reminder for all U.S. veterans past and present.

“This is a day to remember those who served our country in Gettysburg, the trenches of France, the deserts of Africa, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. We remember those who protect our history and the rights we enjoy,” Napoli said.

In the spirit of honoring those who honor the veterans, the VFW Post made cash donations to the Sippican School Band, MacFarlane, and the Marion Cub Scouts for the groups continued participation in the annual ceremony.

For more photos from the Marion Veterans Day ceremony, check out the photo gallery.