Harrison Honors Veterans Wed. November 11, 2026, @11 A.M. Ceremony

Residents are invited to gather at Veterans Plaza in Library Park (So. Rodgers near Harrison Ave.) to honor America's military veterans and remember Harrison's hometown heroes.

The Town of Harrison will join communities across the United States today in observing Veterans Day, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and recognizing the sacrifices made by generations of military personnel in defense of the nation.

Harrison's annual Veterans Day Ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, continuing a longstanding community tradition of remembrance and gratitude.

Harrison American Legion Post 282 and Sergeant William Sawelson Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 340 have traditionally organized the ceremony, two local veterans organizations that have played important roles in preserving the town's military history and honoring those who served.

Previous ceremonies have taken place at Veterans Plaza in Harrison's Library Park, where monuments commemorate residents who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Veterans Day Is Observed at 11 A.M.

The timing of Harrison's ceremony carries historical significance.

Veterans Day traces its origins to November 11, 1918, when the armistice ending the fighting in World War I took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Originally observed as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize American veterans of all wars.

Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors military personnel who died while serving their country, Veterans Day recognizes all who served honorably in the Armed Forces, including living veterans.

The annual 11 a.m. observance gives residents an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of military families, the hardships veterans have faced, and the freedoms military service has helped protect.

Harrison's Proud Military History

Harrison's contributions to America's military history span generations, from World War I and World War II through Korea, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts.

The monuments at Veterans Plaza serve as permanent reminders that national history is also local history. Behind the names engraved on memorials are Harrison residents who attended local schools, worked in neighborhood businesses, raised families, and answered their country's call to service.

For decades, the American Legion and VFW have helped preserve these stories through annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

These observances give younger generations opportunities to learn about Harrison's veterans and understand that the sacrifices of military service reach into their own community.

Remembering Harrison's Vietnam War Heroes

Among the local veterans whose stories have been highlighted in previous YourHarrison articles are three Harrison servicemen whose courage and sacrifice during the Vietnam War remain part of the town's history.

Joseph P. Mobus served with the United States Army's 1st Cavalry Division and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Lance Corporal Donald B. Scott served as a machine gunner with the United States Marine Corps' 1st Marine Division. He received the Purple Heart and other military commendations for his service and sacrifice.

Army Sergeant David Robertson served with the 4th Infantry Division and earned recognition for his combat service, including the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Their stories have been preserved through local commemorations and previous reporting on Harrison's military history.

One particularly meaningful tribute was renaming Hill Street Scott Mobus Place, honoring Donald Scott and Joseph Mobus, who grew up on that street.

The dedication, undertaken during the administration of the late Mayor Raymond J. McDonough, ensures that their names remain part of Harrison's everyday landscape.

A commemorative plaque at Harrison High School also recognizes Donald Scott, remembering both his athletic accomplishments and his military service.

Veterans Plaza: A Place of Remembrance

Veterans Plaza in Library Park is more than a collection of monuments. It is a place where Harrison's history, military service, and community identity intersect.

Its memorials honor those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

As the community gathers for Veterans Day, these memorials remind us of the tremendous human cost of war and the responsibility of future generations to preserve the stories of those who served.

The town's annual observances also recognize veterans who returned home, raised families, built careers, and continued serving their communities long after their military service ended.

A Community's Responsibility to Its Veterans

Veterans Day is an opportunity not only to express gratitude but also to recognize the challenges that some former service members continue to face.

Veterans across the country may experience service-related disabilities, physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, difficulty accessing benefits, and challenges transitioning to civilian life.

Honoring veterans means recognizing these ongoing needs and supporting efforts to ensure that former service members receive the medical care, benefits, and assistance they have earned.

For Harrison residents, participating in today's ceremony is one way to demonstrate that the community remembers those who served and appreciates the sacrifices made by military families.

Residents Encouraged to Attend Today's Ceremony

Harrison residents, families, students, and community members are encouraged to participate in today's Veterans Day observance.

The ceremony offers an opportunity to thank local veterans personally, honor those no longer with us, and show that Harrison's tradition of remembering its military heroes remains strong.

As the nation marks Veterans Day on November 11, 2026, Harrison's observance carries a simple but important message:

Our veterans' service must never be forgotten, and their sacrifices deserve recognition not only on Veterans Day but throughout the year.

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