TJ Garritano has served his country.

The 1997 Jim Thorpe Area graduate joined the United States Air Force just after high school and went on to complete four deployments to Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring in 2019.

Today, Garritano continues his commitment to his country, as well as his wife and their four children.

On Friday, Garritano addressed fellow veterans and Carbon County residents as the main speaker of the annual Carbon County Veterans Day Ceremony in Jim Thorpe.

“Today we gather in remembrance and gratitude and recognition of the brave men and women who have been called to service during one of the most significant conflicts of our time, the global war on terror(ism).”

This war has spanned over two decades, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on American soil, and has forever shaped the world and countless numbers of lives.

“As we stand here, we are reminded that every statistic, every mission and every campaign of those human beings, Americans, extraordinary individuals who have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms and uphold our value,” Garritano said.

“To our veterans, we owe you an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Your courage, dedication and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to the very best of our humanity.

“The global war on terror has taken our service members to distant lands — from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq — each deployment was not merely a military operation; it was a profound journey that tested the limits of physical and mental endurance.”

Garritano said that these men and women were supported by loved ones, communities and friends and those people should also be acknowledged for everything they did to support a person serving in the military.

The battles did not end when these men and women came home either, Garritano said, noting that many were left fighting through invisible wounds like PTSD, depression and anxiety, as well as physical wounds from their deployment.

“Let us remember that the spirit of service does not end when the uniform comes off,” he said, adding that veterans have the opportunity to be role models for younger generations, inspiring others to love and serve this country.

“I want to thank all veterans for their service, for the sacrifices of all wars and for the unwavering commitment to our nation,” he said. “You are the embodiment of courage and honor and we’re grateful forever.”

‘Thank you for all you have done’’

Several other speakers echoed Garritano’s thoughts during the ceremony, including state Rep. Doyle Heffley and Brad Hurley, who was representing state Sen. David Argall.

Carbon County Commissioner Mike Sofranko, who spoke on behalf of the board of commissioners, thanked all veterans because we Americans would not be standing here enjoying freedom without their decision to fight for this country.

“We’re standing here because of who they are,” he said, adding that it is the love of this country that made so many make the choice to join a military branch.

“On behalf of all of Carbon County, I say to the heroes to my right, the heroes to my life and the ones in front of me, thank you,” Sofranko said. Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for those crosses you bear and for what you have seen and what you have lived.

“But most important, thank you for the future you have given all of us.”

Members of various Carbon County veterans organizations provided the color and honor guards, while Angela Nardini showcased her vocal talents with musical selections.

Christine LeClair, Carbon County’s veterans affairs director, thanked all for coming out to support county veterans and urged people to thank a veteran this weekend.

Carbon County’s Veterans Days events concludes on Sunday with the annual Veterans Day Parade, held in Lansford this year.

Step off is slated for 1:45 p.m. If there is inclement weather, the rain date is Nov. 17.

The lineup is on page 7 in today’s edition.