Some heralded George Parrick that morning as the only one who should be at City Hall's Veterans Day ceremony. Parrick served in the Navy during both World War II and during the Korean conflict.

As if he were still under orders, Parrick stood at attention behind the podium for the entire ceremony.

The Pittston tradition, which City Councilman Mike Lombardo said dates back to around World War II, brought a crowd of about 30 people to the sidewalks in front of City Hall.

City Mayor Jason Klush seemed disappointed that more people did not come out to show their appreciation.
It's a shame things like this get pushed to the side, Klush said. These guys gave it all. We owe them everything.

The 11 a.m. ceremony was competing with Mass around the corner at St. John's and St. Joseph Marello Parish up the street.

Klush agreed that most of their potential attendees were probably at Mass.

City Councilman Danny Argo led the small crowd of city officials, public service employees, a handful of veterans with their families and other observers in the National Anthem.

Post 477 members fired ceremonial blanks into the air following a bugle call played on an electronic horn.
Post 477 Commander Tom Delaney said he hoped to see the same faces again next year.