Wayne Community Development Director Lori Gouin acted as the emcee of the event and the ceremony officially began with the pledge of allegiance let by Wayne Councilman Kevin Dowd, Wayne Councilwoman Kelly Skiff and Wayne Councilman Phil Wagner.
Pastor Seth McDonald of Hillcrest Bible Church led the opening prayer while Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa offered opening remarks. Wayne Fire Department Captain Dave Wylie and veterans Kathy Baker, Dan Valdez and Ed Queen along with Chris Miller placed commemorative wreaths next to the memorials.
Wylie, a veteran, delivered the keynote address to the large audience who turned out for the first-ever such ceremony at the Wayne memorial.
Wylie's parents were among those who attended the ceremony.
Also supporting the event were Michigan State Senator Dayna Polehanki: Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous; 29th District Court Chief Judge Breeda O'Leary; Westland Councilman Peter Herzberg; Wayne City Clerk Tina Parnell; Wayne Fire Chief Mike Stradtner; Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong; Wayne Building and Engineering Director Mike Buiten and members of the Wayne Veteran's Memorial Committee.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and State Rep. Kevin Coleman also spoke during the event and Wayne Councilman Alfred Brock read a Veterans Day poem that he authored called Shout Out Freedom .
Pastor Bobby Kelly of CrossPointe Community Church offered the closing prayer and audience members were invited to enjoy coffee and hot chocolate donated by Hillcrest Bible Church.
The event was organized, officials said, by city hall staff members.
