WETHERSFIELD - Wethersfield’s Veteran’s Day ceremony saw a brief scare when a member of the Boy Scout Troop, who was taking part in the ceremony, collapsed, but the individual left Council Chambers on his feet and attendees and speakers took the incident in stride.

       â€�"Americans have always fell down, or stumbled, but they always get back up,” said Congressman John Larson. â€�"He’s a credit to his community.”

       The boy was on the ground behind the Council seats as Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance personnel attended to him. He would eventually get to his feet and walk out, escorted by medical personnel.

       â€�"The day didn’t start out good, but it’s getting better,” said Master of Ceremonies and former Wethersfield Mayor Dan Camilliere. â€�"This has been a tough thing for all of us, but we’re going to try to make the best of it.”

       So the ceremony proceeded with its highest point--the introduction of the keynote speaker. Major Dominick Cortese, a veteran of both the Airforce and the Army Reserves, spoke on the history of Veteran’s Day and the importance of learning from history in general.

       â€�"Veteran’s Day is a day to say thank you to veterans of all wars,” said Cortese, who was a munitions specialist during the Vietnam War. â€�"We’re here to say thank you and welcome home. Remember that the healing of those who have served never ends.”

       Veteran’s Day began in 1926 as a commemoration of those who served during World War I. It was purposely scheduled for the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the German surrender that ended the conflict. That became Armistice Day, but was later expanded to include veterans of all wars and then declared a national holiday by President Dwight Eisenhower.

       During his statements, Cortese reflected on the divisive nature of the Vietnam War at home and urged policy-makers to learn from the â€�"material and personnel losses” from a â€�"protracted war.”

       Larson echoed his sentiments.

       â€�"As the nation makes future decisions about its commitments and the lives--of our men and women who serve--it puts in harm’s way, we need to take into account all of our past history and hopefully learn from all of it,” he said.

       Cortese served in the Airforce from 1968 to 1972 before enlisting in the Army Reserves until 1993. A decorated Vietnam veteran, he also volunteered as a social worker for service members.

       The ceremony was attended by Mayor Paul Montinieri and other members of the Council, as well as Board of Education. State legislators were also present.

       â€�"I would ask that every day, we give a little bit of gratitude to our vets,” said state Rep. Russ Morin.

       Montinieri echoed this sentiment, sharing a story he read about Ed Bray, a decorated World War II vet--he stormed Normandy beach--who learned to read with the help of a professor at Northeaster University’s Oklahoma campus. The lesson: even seemingly small gestures of support can make a difference in a former service member’s life, Montinieri said.

       â€�"Consider your proud vet and think about how you may be able to give back,” he said.