Quantico hosts remembrance event

By JULIA LEDOUX
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: May 28, 2008

QUANTICO — A 21-gun salute and the haunting sound of Echo Taps brought tears to many eyes at Quantico National Cemetery on Monday as more than 1,500 gathered in remembrance of the sacrifice of those who have died in service to the nation.

“All across America a grateful nation comes together today to honor these men and women, some celebrated, others unknown, each a patriot, each a hero,” said Wayne Dearie, chairman of the Potomac Region Veterans Council, which sponsored the 25th annual ceremony.

Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Quantico Young Marines and members of area American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War posts paraded their organization’s colors as the Quantico Marine Corps Band played a series of patriotic tunes. Retired Marine Col. Frank W. Harris, a member of Quantico Chapter No. 44 of The National Sojourners provided a stirring rendition of “A Toast to the Flag” during the event.

“I’m glad I came,” said Frank Taylor, a resident of Atlanta, who attended the ceremony with relatives who live in the area. “It reinforced what the day is really about.”

In his keynote address, retired Marine Maj. Gen. Donald R. Gardner, who serves as president of the Marine Corps University, paid homage not only to his family members who have served in the military but to today’s troops.

“They are a national treasure and they are up for the fight,” he said.

Gardner also urged the crowd to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and to never forget the sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes.

“It is our sacred duty and we can do no less,” he said.

Gardner, Quantico National Cemetery director Karl W. McDonald and John Hess, Officer-In-Charge of the Potomac Region Veterans Council, also presented a wreath during the ceremony.

The Potomac Region Veterans Council sponsors both the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances at the cemetery as well as the “Avenue of Honor” —  a line of more than 500 flags that stretches from the cemetery’s main gate.

Julia LeDoux is a staff writer at Media General’s Potomac News & Manassas Journal Messenger.