U.S. Congressman Eric Cantor (above, standing, third from right) presented the 2012 Congressional Veteran Commendation to eight local residents, including three from Henrico, during a Veterans Day ceremony at Clover Hill High School.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Walter George (standing, fourth from right), Capt. Donald Bloomquist (standing, second from right) and Sgt. James “Jimmy” Ray (standing, far right) of Henrico received the commendation from Cantor.

“As we celebrate Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who have defended our shores, preserved our freedom and promoted liberty since the founding of our nation, and we pray for those currently serving who are still in harm’s way,” Cantor said. “We also recognize the sacrifices made by our military families. Their support during and after service and deployments is invaluable to our troops.