Sacrifices lauded at Quantico’s Veterans Day ceremony

It was a day of solemn remembrance Wednesday as dozens gathered to pay tribute to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces during the annual Veterans Day observance at Quantico National Cemetery.

"God's tears for those who have served," said retired Marine Joe Veneable of the rain that steadily fell during the ceremony that featured a wreath laying, a 21-gun salute and music by the Quantico Marine Corps Band.

Thom Karlson, chairman of the Potomac Region Veterans Council, the group of area veterans' organizations that hosts the event, paid tribute to the nation's past and present service members at the outset of the ceremony.

"All across America a grateful nation comes together to honor these men and women, some celebrated, others unknown, each a patriot and a hero," he said.

Keynote speaker Gary Motsek, assistant deputy under secretary of defense, lauded both the sacrifices of service members and their families.

"Veterans come from all walks of life," he said. "They are rich and poor, old and young, disabled and able-bodied. They live in every state and in countries around the world. But they all share a common experience and a respect for life and liberty."

Noting that the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, is less than a week old, Motsek said that the shootings that left 13 dead and 43 wounded show that examples of personal danger and heroic service are not only found on foreign soil, but on American soil as well.

Reading from an e-mail he received Saturday from a colonel who commands an aviation brigade at Fort Hood, Motsek told those gathered about the actions of 23-year old Army medic Spc. Francisco De la Serno, who was at the scene of the shootings.

De la Serno had his own personal medical bag in his car and, under fire, ran out to get it and began treating the wounded before the alleged assailant was brought down by gunfire.

"What is unique about this combat medic is that it appears he helped save the police officer who was shot while taking down the assailant, and then saved the assailant and five more victims," said Motsek.

Quantico National Cemetery Director Karl MacDonald outlined the improvements that have been made at the facility over the past year, explaining that the upgrades were a way of showing appreciation to veterans and their families. Among those improvements are the reglazing of all headstones and the re-sodding of four sections of the cemetery. The new irrigation system is also being installed and should be finished by September.

"All of these improvements are our way of honoring our veterans and their families for all they do to keep us free and safe from harm," he said.

Quantico Commander Col. Daniel Choike quoted a verse from a song by John Cohen that he heard at Mass on Sunday as the answer to the questions why do veterans serve:

"When its all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you? All my treasures will mean nothing, only what've I've done for love through war will stand the test of time," he said.

Military editor Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718.<p>