During a recent government meeting in Leonardtown, a heartfelt ceremony honored four local students for their outstanding essays on the theme \"What Veterans Day Means to Me.\" The students, Holden Drury, Lillian Kerkovic, Julia Kennedy, and Nola Rojas, received certificates of achievement from the town's commissioners, recognizing their contributions to the Veterans Day observance.

Congressman Steny Hoyer, representing Maryland's 5th district, delivered a poignant address emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans and their sacrifices. He praised the students for their compelling reflections on the service of their family members, including a World War II veteran and active-duty military personnel. Hoyer highlighted the significance of remembering the courage displayed by veterans throughout history, particularly referencing the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion.

In his remarks, Hoyer underscored the duty of the community to support veterans long after their service, stating, \"We have a duty to care for them long after they take off the uniform.\" He called for continued recognition and gratitude towards those who have served, reinforcing the idea that honoring veterans is a shared responsibility among all citizens.

The ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing commitment required to uphold the freedoms they fought to protect. Hoyer concluded his speech by invoking the spirit of liberty and the importance of safeguarding the nation's democracy, urging attendees to remember and thank those who have served.