DAPHNE, Ala. — The city hosted a Veterans Day Memorial on Wednesday at City Hall, with more than 20 veterans on hand to celebrate the national holiday that pays tribute to those who served their country.

Two veterans — including local resident Don Carmichael, who served in three wars — spoke at the ceremony. Carmichael, a retired U.S. Army colonel, served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

“We who went to war in World War II were sustained by music, memories, patriotism and those who we left behind,” Carmichael said. “For many, (going to war) became a defining moment, and it certainly was for me. I was 18 at the time I landed in Normandy.

“We were idealistic, committed in our pride,” he said. “From this we grew into maturity, developing character and a value system.”

Lt. Col. Douglas Goodlin (Ret.) received a presentation of military decorations to honor his service. He received “The Air Medal” for meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial fight and “The Meritorious Service Medal” for outstanding achievement.

Goodlin gave Daphne High School Principal Meredith Horton an American flag for the school’s support of service men and women. The flag was flown over Iraq during their election day, Goodlin said.

The Daphne High School JROTC conducted the “presentation of colors,” and Rep. Randy Davis, R-Ala., conducted the Pledge of Allegiance. The Daphne Fire Department was also in attendance with a large American flag hanging from their raised ladder truck.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., spoke to attendees about his strong support for the U.S. military.

“They didn’t ask to go (to war),” Sessions said about the military men and women. “Congress, the president and the commander in chief sent them there, and they said, ‘Yes sir.’”

Sessions said other nations rely on the U.S.’s armed forces when defending the free world is at stake.

“No one wants to fight head on with the United States military, the finest military in the world,” he said. “Peace through strength is certainly a factor in maintaining peace in the world.”