Pictures: Veterans Day Ceremony

Springfield's Veterans Day ceremony would have been nothing without Ethel C. Smith. As the commander of the American Legion Post 228-Springfield, the Springfield resident and World War II army nurse is the driving force behind the annual ceremony.

"If it weren't for her, this wouldn't happen," Korean War Vet and Springfield resident Donald Auer said.

Before the ceremony began, she explained that because of issues in her personal life, this year's ceremony might be somewhat scaled back. But once the ceremony began, it was clear the apology was unnecessary. The event was by far was a very respectful one.

St. James School students from first to eighth grade attended, including Catherine Tupper's eighth grade class, which carried the school's banner. Representatives of the Fire Department and First Aid Squad were on hand. Several town officials were present, including Committee members Ziad Shehady, an active member of the New Jersey Army National Guard, and Marc Krauss, an Iraq War veteran.

The event was packed with speeches and prayers, and capped off by a shot volley by the police auxiliary squad.

And, appropriately, Smith was thanked during the ceremony.