Veterans remembered at national cemetery

By Julia LeDoux

Published: November 11, 2008

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American flags snapped in the breeze and the sounds of “Taps” echoed over gently rolling hills Tuesday as hundreds braved the chill to attend the annual Veterans Day observance at Quantico National Cemetery.

“On this Veterans Day, we gather again as we do faithfully every year to pay tribute to our country’s men and women who fell in the line of duty, citizens of this great nation who gave their lives to preserve the liberties upon which America was founded which we have carried forward for more than 232 years,” said Potomac Region Veterans Council chairman Wayne Dearie. “It is right that we remember them and honor their selfless sacrifice.”

Designed to commemorate the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, and to honor all Americans who have served or are serving in the armed forces, the ceremony was sponsored by the Potomac Region Veterans Council and hosted by Quantico National Cemetery Director Karl MacDonald. The event included a parade of veterans, organizational colors and a wreath presentation.

“Last week we had a great election and elected a new president,” Marine Corps Base commander Col. Charles Dallahie said. “No matter what your politics, whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, make no mistake about it, today we’re threatened by forces who have proven their will and show a capability to kill us and destroy our way of life.

“All around us you see the graves of brave Americans, some only a few days old, and in the distance you see more land, where like it or not, in the future there’s going to be more graves. Graves of young Americans who died protecting us, fighting in what our president calls the long war.”

Quoting from a Yiddish proverb that states, “God gave burdens, but also shoulders,” Dallahie added, “America’s veterans, America’s warriors, carry on their shoulders the burden of protecting America. We all owe them a debt of gratitude we’ll never be able to fully repay.”

Keynote speaker Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Olmstead said he was standing in for four other people — the last surviving World War I veteran, Frank Ruckles of West Virginia; a deceased Gold Star mother and her son; a tough-as-nails Marine who served in Korea and Vietnam; and Gunnery Sgt. Ken Barnes, who helped form the Wounded Warrior Barracks at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“Freedom is won through the bloodshed, the hard work and the tears of the people who are the veterans of our country,” Olmstead said. “Today we honor the 17 million Americans who are veterans of our wars. We mourn the loss of 754,000 gallant Americans who have their all so that we can enjoy the freedoms of the greatest country on earth.”

Staff writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718.