PORTSMOUTH — In a brief ceremony that kicked off Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, more than 70 local veterans were recognized for their service in Operation Enduring Freedom (Oct. 7, 2001 to Dec. 28, 2014) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 30, 2003 to Dec. 18, 2011). 

The council approved a proclamation calling Nov. 13-20 “Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans Appreciation Week” in Portsmouth and presented certificates to several veterans who turned out in person.

The residents who served in the military during the two operations “were prepared to put themselves in harm’s way and join coalition forces, led by the United States, as they began attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq in order to drive out terrorism from those countries, to put an end to the Hussein regime, (and) to give humanitarian support where necessary,” said Council President Keith Hamilton, reading from the proclamation.

“Our hometown veterans bring to us a sense of duty, patriotism, discipline and willingness to serve others and remind us of our obligation to those currently serving and the price that is paid for freedom,” he said.

The council has been recognizing veterans who served in different military engagements for the past five years. Mr. Hamilton credited Carolyn Evans-Carberry for doing all the legwork in finding local veterans to be honored.