The ceremony also paid tribute to the United States Marine Corps, which celebrated its 250-year anniversary Monday.

The event was originally scheduled to take place outside of the courthouse but was moved to inside the rotunda due to inclement weather.

About 25 people attended to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, including Ebensburg Borough resident Dave Petrosky, members of the Johnstown Generals and representatives from the Cambria County Veterans’ Affairs office — Josh Krise, Terry Powers and Tim Sherry.

A display in the Cambria County Courthouse rotunda in Ebensburg honors the Marine Corps 250-year anniversary during a ceremony Monday. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Cambria County Commissioner Keith Rager, who served in the Marines from 1975-78, said he’s proud of his military service and hopes to continue celebrating Veterans Day at the courthouse every year.

“I think it’s very important that we do this,” Rager said during the brief ceremony. “This is only going to get bigger.”

During his speech, Rager thanked veterans in every branch of the military for their service.

“Thank you to every veteran who raised their right hand and swore an oath to defend this nation,” Rager said. “Freedom is not automatic; it is defended.”

Cambria County Veterans’ Affairs Director Matthew Brown, who is a member of the Johnstown Generals, said his office helps veterans answer any questions they have about their benefits.

“I just wanted to say thanks to the veterans and say happy birthday to the Marine Corps,” Brown said. “What would our country be without our veterans? They deserve everything.”

Brown said veterans should call his office at 814-472-1590 if they need any help obtaining benefits.

In addition to veterans, the office also assists veterans’ surviving spouses or dependents in providing information and completing forms and documents when applying for benefits, according to the county’s website.

“We need to show our veterans that Cambria County supports them and that’s what our office wants to do,” Brown said.

Petrosky said he attended Monday’s ceremony to honor his children’s military service.

David Adam Petrosky, his son, served in the Army and currently works as a Pennsylvania State Police trooper in York.

His daughter, Katie Servis, also served in the Army then transferred to the Coast Guard last year, Petrosky said, noting she flies helicopters in the Coast Guard and recently flew over Hard Rock Stadium during a Miami Dolphins football game.

That happened about a month ago, Petrosky said.

“I’m proud of my kids. That’s why I came here,” Petrosky said. “They’re both tough.”

Petrosky said he appreciated officials for holding the ceremony.

“We need to support our country, we need to stand strong and we need to support our veterans,” Petrosky said. “I try to live honestly, and it’s very important that we support our veterans and keep America strong.”

The full ceremony can be viewed on the Altoona Mirror’s website and YouTube channel.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.