SEQUIM — From those on the front lines to those in supporting roles, Americans who serve in the American armed forces are “essential veterans,” Col. Tom Johnson (U.S. Marine Corps, ret.) said during a Veterans Day observance in Sequim on Friday.

Johnson offered his thoughts to dozens of veterans and a crowd of appreciative community members who braved brisk but clear weather for the special ceremony at the Sequim Civic Center plaza.

Johnson urged veterans of all branches to be proud of their service — and to make sure future generations understand their legacies.

“No matter what part a veteran plays … it needs to be remembered on this Veterans Day,” Johnson said.

“I feel a lot of those essential veterans are not properly recognized. If you are a veteran … be proud of your contribution; you are a part of history. And your part will be lost if you do not write it down.”

Johnson, a Sequim resident, joined Marine Corps at age 19, earned his wings in June 1955, flew a record 506 close-air support missions, spent years training pilots with various aircraft and worked at the Pentagon before retiring, noted Lance Cpl. Holly Rowan (U.S. Marine Corps), Clallam County Veterans Association president, at Friday’s ceremony.

The event was jointly hosted by the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and Clallam County Veterans Association, to mirror the National Observance of Veterans Day.

It included a rendition of the National Anthem from Amanda Bacon, presentation of the flags of the veterans organizations in Clallam County, and rendering of honors by the Marine Corps League.

“Because of our veterans, we live in freedom, prosperity and safety,” said Tom Coonelly (U.S. Army, ret.), who helped organize the event.

“The millions of men and women who made the decision to serve are truly deserving of our heartfelt thanks and enduring respect.”

Veterans Day ceremonies also were held at:

• Gardiner Cemetery, where Naval Facilities Command Northwest hosted a memorial service for Marvin G. Shields, the only Navy Seabee to have received the Medal of Honor.

• Port Townsend’s American Legion Hall, named for Shields, where military honors were rendered and Quilts of Valor presented veterans with quilts.

• Forks’ Gold Star Memorial at the Forks Transit Center.

• Clallam County Veterans Center, which hosted a barbecue for veterans and their families.