2025 Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Veterans in Our Community

Each year, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, in collaboration with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Valley Health Partners Veteran Health Program holds a ceremony to honor local veterans for their service and sacrifice.    

Alexander Alex, Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force, MSC (Ret.), and Senior Director of the Valley Health Partners Veteran Health Program, welcomed fellow veterans, community members and local leaders to the 13th annual Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony on Nov. 10 at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest.

“By dedicating a national day of appreciation, we offer veterans a moment of collective gratitude. We acknowledge the challenges they’ve faced from long deployments to the physical and emotional toll of service. Moreover, Veterans Day reminds us that the contributions of veterans do not end when they leave active duty – many veterans continue to serve their communities,” Alex said.

The ceremony began with the posting of colors by Dieruff High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Following the recognition of each branch of the military, everyone sang the national anthem and community leaders expressed their gratitude and shared commitment to provide veterans with the support they need.   

This year’s keynote speaker was Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, FACP, President, Jefferson Health, and Executive Vice President, Jefferson.  

“Veterans Day holds tremendous meaning as we honor the most servant-hearted of our nation – our veterans. It’s a time for the American people to reflect on the freedoms we have because of those who have devoted their lives to serving our country,” Dr. Yehia said.  

On behalf of Jefferson Health and LVHN, Dr. Yehia thanked veterans and their family members for the sacrifices they’ve made and continue to make. He also shared his passion for veteran-centric care.  

Throughout Dr. Yehia’s career, he has cared for veterans as their physician and enhanced health care systems built for them including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As the first Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Community Care for the VA, much of his work focused on improving access to high-quality care.  

Today his mission of improving lives for veterans continues as the president of Jefferson Health. By sharing health information with the VA and offering programs like the Valley Health Partners Veteran Health Program and MossRehab Institute for Brain Health, veterans can receive the care they need.

Alison Pickel, Senior Vice President of Member Relations for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, shared how her organization focuses on connecting veterans with employment opportunities, supporting veteran-owned businesses and building partnerships that promote health and well-being for veterans. 

“Our veterans represent the best of who we are as a council and a chamber and a Lehigh Valley footprint, and it’s our privilege to honor them today and every day,” Pickel said.

Carol Michaels, Chief Transformation Officer of Valley Health Partners, said she is proud to serve local veterans through the Veteran Health Program which assisted over 430 veterans in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos last year. She also shared personal stories of her grandfathers who were both veterans of World War II.

“It is imperative that we provide services to meet veterans where they are and help them carry life’s burdens,” Michaels said.

The Veterans Day ceremony closed with each veteran receiving a keychain and being recognized by U.S. Army retiree Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, Special Advisor for Women & Minority Veterans, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Chairperson of the Veterans & Military Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.