The 2018 Veterans’ Day Program in Miami began with a parade, followed by a ceremony in Veterans’ Park.

Mayor Darryl Dalley made the opening remarks, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Globe High School JROTC. Miami Councilmember Angel Medina gave the invocation. The speakers were veteran and Miami High School shop teacher Don Woods and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Wendy Rogers.

Woods reminded the audience, “You are living in a country that is free because of veterans.” Introducing Rogers, Dalley said she was one of the first female pilots in today’s Air Force.

Rogers served 20 years active duty, as did her husband, Hal, who is with us today. Rogers piloted “the big C-141 Star lifter jet transport aircraft” on worldwide humanitarian missions. Rogers is a fifth-generation career officer, business entrepreneur, mother and grandmother. She and her husband have lived in Arizona for the past 21 years since retiring from the military.

“Wendy and Hal both hold private pilot certificates and flew their own light plane all over Arizona’s Congressional District No. 1 during her campaign for that office,” Dalley told the audience.

After speeches by Woods and Rogers, Dalley read the presidential proclamation on Veterans Day 2018. After the reading, the Miami High School Band played a medley of military service songs. Dalley, Woods and the Rogers then placed the wreath on the Miami veterans memorial. Miami High School Senior Marco Reyes played “Taps” on the trumpet.

Medina offered a Veterans’ Day prayer. Dalley presented awards to parade winners who were present, then gave the ceremony’s closing remarks.

Apache Dancers from Cibecue, who had performed at the San Carlos Veterans Day activities, marched and danced in the Miami parade and also performed after the ceremony was over.