GALLIPOLIS - In the wake of election season, one thing was missing from Saturday's Veterans Day celebration: elected officials.

And it did not go unnoticed.

“Well, you can tell the election is over,” said Veterans Service Commission President R. Keith Jeffers and went on to thank City Commissioner Jim Cozza, the only official in attendance, for his support.

Amidst stirring renditions of patriotic songs, like “God Bless America,” guest speaker, Herman W. Morton, State Department commander for Disabled American Veterans, asked the question; Is freedom worth the price?

He spoke of war heroes returning home and facing the silence of freedom, void of tanks, gunfire, bombs and death, sounds that had become background music to their lives.

He spoke of cost of war, both physically and mentally, on those who serve and the families they leave behind.

He spoke of the families who generation after generation send their loved ones to battle and the obligation of everyone to take care of the families of fallen soldiers.

He spoke of the newest addition to their “band of brothers and sisters,” those currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And then he asked the question again: Is freedom worth the price?

“The answer is yes,” Morton said. “Because freedom is never free.”

He also publicly thanked World War II POW survivor Mr. John Jeffers who was in attendance.

“When I think of what he went through, I always wonder if I could have survived,” Morton said.

At the end of the ceremony, the Gallia County Funeral Detail presented a 21 gun salute and the mournful tones of “Taps” followed, celebrating those soldiers who paid the “ultimate price” for freedom.

On Friday, Bidwell-Porter Elementary School held its 11th annual Veterans Day celebration with the program, “Let Freedom Ring!”

“The price of freedom is high,” said eighth grader Evan Johnson. “We can not forget those who are willing to pay it.”

During the presentation, the 93 veterans in attendance were named and eighth grade students presented flowers to their veteran family members in a presentation that has been in existence since the first B-P Veterans Day program.

Throughout the program, attendees were educated, reminded and touched by the listing of American conflicts and the number of men and women who paid the ultimate price, a candlelighting ceremony in honor of those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces was held and an essay on what it actually means to be an American was read aloud.

A playing of “Taps” closed out the ceremony and the veterans were invited to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with their friends and family.

Observations at other Gallia County Local schools were held throughout Friday, including Addaville Elementary's breakfast and assembly for veterans.