Philadelphia Marks Veterans Day With Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia marked Veterans Day with its annual wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier of the Revolutionary War in Washington Square.
It appeared to be a more somber affair than usual.
Led by Democrats, such as Mayor Jim Kenney and Congressman Bob Brady, the wreath-laying included the usual praise and admiration for those who fought on behalf of the United States in its many conflicts.
But the mayor also felt bound to share some thoughts with the students from St. Mary's elementary who waved flags through the ceremony.
"We just went through a very difficult national election and we will have a new president in January. Do not worry. Keep your open mind and your open heart and let's make sure that our country continues to move forward together so that we can all have a better life."
Fourth grader Evan Sweeney says he found it comforting.
"I'm not happy about the president who was chosen because of his history and how he acts."
St. Mary's is the burial site of Commodore Barry, father of the U.S. Navy and-- as Kenney noted-- an immigrant.