Annapolitans and officials gathered at Memorial Circle on Sunday morning to honor America's veterans and troops.

"Veterans Day truly represents the spirit of what is the best that America has to offer," Anne Arundel County Councilman Peter Smith said. 

Smith, a Marine, asked the other veterans present to raise their hands while he spoke.

"These are your warriors; these are your warriors," Smith said. "They've seen the worst in mankind, but yet continue to answer the call for the best in mankind."

Smith also highlighted a few of the local veterans who gave their lives in service to their country like Edgewater Navy Seal Patrick Feeks who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in August.

"For tomorrow, some gave their todays," Smith said.

Branch 24 of the Fleet Reserve Association organized the annual event, which was co-sponsored by the City of Annapolis.

"Annapolis is steeped in military heritage," Mayor Josh Cohen said. 

He noted that even St. John's College has deep connection. The War Department named the college one of the six leading military colleges in the country in 1905, and it lost more graduates during WWI than any other college in the United States.

The U.S. Naval Academy's bugler, honor guard and silent drill team called the Jolly Rogers all preformed. The Annapolis High School band was unable to make the ceremony so the fleet reserve recruited the councilman to sing our national anthem at the last minute.

"I think I can; I sound good in the shower," Smith said. "Marines overcome and adapt. If one unit isn't here, the ship is still going to leave the port."

As we honor our the men and women who serve our country, here's a look back at some of the veteran stories we've covered on Patch.

• Jobs and Other Resources for Unemployed Veterans
• First Person: Five Tips from a Veteran Who Got A Job
• Annapolitan Sows Hope for Returning Soldiers
• How Do You Talk to Your Kids About the War?
• Navy Athletics Photo Goes Viral on Facebook
• Annapolis Race Honors Fallen Heroes and First Responders