Although snow covered the graves and a slight breeze blew, a few residents braved the cold weather to participate in the annual Veterans Day service on Nov. 9 in Greenwood Cemetery.

Sponsored by the Greenwood Pioneer Cemetery Board, the ceremony kicked off with the American Legion Post 13 Riders Honor Guard, followed by rising of the American Flag, Tim Grabin playing “To the Colors,” the National Anthem sung by Kelly Duncan and a prayer.

“This cemetery is what's called a natural environment cemetery. The first burial here was in 1860,” said Kathy Uhland, of the Greenwood Cemetery Board. “It's been around for a long time and we're very proud of the cemetery. The only water we get is from rain or snow so today is a good day for the watering.”

Following her introductory remarks, Uhland introduced featured speaker Jerry Davis.

“Jerry Davis grew up primarily in Illinois and Missouri,” she said. “At age 19 in 1979, he joined the U.S. Army and did his basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Mo., to become a combat engineer, bridge specialist.”

Davis had numerous assignments, twice in Europe, three times at Fort Hood then went back to Fort Leonardwood for overseas training as new bridge specialist, Uhland added. During the Gulf War, he crossed the border into Iraq as part of the 23rd battalion 3rd Army Division. In 1997, he was assigned to Fort Carson and moved to Cañon City with his wife and two daughters. He retired in 2000 with a 21 year career and the rank of E7, Sgt. First Class. He is currently an instructor and advisor at Fremont Campus of Pueblo Community College, teaching world, America and Colorado history, U.S. government, geography and philosophy classes.

Then Davis spoke for several moments about his time in the military and those who have served.

“It's the active duty, but it also includes the National Guard and the Reserves,” he said. “From here, (it's also about) the police officers, the firefighters, EMS, they serve also. As far as I'm concerned the K-12 teachers, they don't do it for the money. It's a calling. The other public service people out there, thank you for your service. The big one is the families of those who serve because when that soldier gets on that airplane for the night job or gets on that airplane to go Iraq, Vietnam or wherever, their families are serving everyday also. So are the police officers and firefighters' families.”

After he spoke, a rifle volley took place and Grabin played “Taps” then the crowd moved to the Confederate section, where Patti Sedillo and Uhland spread southern soil over the graves of the Confederate soldiers.

“We have soil from each of the states that they fought from,” Sedillo said. “We scatter it over the graves so they can lie under a little bit of soil from their home state.”

Following the ceremony, she spoke in place of Paula Creamer, who was unable to attend because of the 18 inches of snow in Woodland Park, where she lives.

“It did my heart so good to see our Sons of Confederate and our Sons of Union Veterans participate in the rifle volley at the (Grand Army of the Republic) GAR section. That is well in keeping with the tradition of this cemetery. When the soldiers or veterans left their home state, moved to Colorado and settled in Cañon City, they became business owners, friends and acquainted with one another, the GAR veterans let the Confederate veterans use their hall because they had no way to meet,” Sedillo said. “This section of the cemetery here (was established) in 1899 in council proceedings. A motion was introduced for Section R in the city cemetery be reserved for the burial of (Confederate) soldiers and the lots be withdrawn from sale. This is the only cemetery in Colorado that has a separate Confederate section. That's very distinctive.”

After she spoke, the ceremony ended with a firing volley team, the cannon volley and the playing of “Taps” by Tim Grabin. Ed Williamson gave the benediction.

All in all, the ceremony kept its tradition of honoring veterans who have served this country.