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Leonardtown marks 50th Veterans Day parade with student essays, state proclamation and wreath laying
Summary
Leonardtown held its 50th annual Veterans Day parade and wreath‑laying on Nov. 11, 2025, featuring student speeches, presentations by local veteran groups, a governor's proclamation presented by the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, and remarks from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.
Leonardtown marked the 50th annual Veterans Day parade and wreath‑laying ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025, bringing dozens of veterans, service organizations, local officials and schoolchildren to the town square for music, proclamations and a formal presentation of colors.
The ceremony featured readings by three Leonardtown Elementary fifth‑graders—TJ Jacobs, Evelyn Pisenich and Tatum Prew—who each explained what Veterans Day means to them and received proclamations from town officials. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown congratulated the students and told the crowd, "For 50 years, this community has gathered on Veterans Day to honor those who served," praising Leonardtown's tradition and its proximity to Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Gary Knight, representing the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, presented a governor's proclamation declaring Nov. 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Maryland and noted that the state is home to "more than 350,000 veterans." County Commissioner Mike Alderson read a county proclamation recognizing Leonardtown's half‑century parade and urged continued community support for veterans and military families.
Participants included the joint honor guard from the Saint Mary's County Sheriff's Office and the Patuxent River Marine Corps League, local veteran motorcycle and car clubs, scouting troops, high school bands and numerous nonprofit and business sponsors that provided floats and support services. Organizers introduced groups including the Civil Air Patrol's Saint Mary's Composite Squadron, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26, Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets, and student ROTC and scouting units.
The program combined ceremonial elements (presentation of colors, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance), civic recognitions (state and county proclamations, a senatorial citation), and community testimonials. Student speakers framed Veterans Day as a time to remember sacrifice and service—Evelyn Pisenich said, "To me, Veterans Day is a day to remember and thank all veterans," while Tatum Prew described personal gratitude for a father who served in the Navy.
Organizers concluded the ceremony with a wreath laying on the town square memorial, a closing prayer and public thanks to volunteers and participants. No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the event.
