Category Archives: Fort Greely Public Affairs

By Deborah Ward, Fort Greely Public Affairs

The 49th Missile Defense Battalion Color Guard members stand proud with Cub Scout Pack 76 as the pack, led by Cub Master Terry Denton, passed out red poppy flowers, a tradition started by Moina Michaels as World War I came to a close in 1918 to show support of veterans. Back row, pictured left to right: Sergeant Julio Velez, Sergeant Robert Hughes, and Staff Sergeant Kenneth Seymore. Front row, pictured left to right: Adam Denton, Raven Munoz, Areon Mills, Nicholas Willard, Isaac Fitzenrider and Nicholas Denton.

A touching Veterans Day Service and luncheon was held at Fort Greely on Nov. 11 at 11 am leaving many who attended mindful of the high costs paid for our freedom.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. This day is set aside to honor all military veterans, their sacrifices – both continued and past – their duty, honor, courage and loyalty to our great Nation in both peace time and war. It is a day to remember all the brave men and women who have served and who continue to serve.

Fort Greely Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Terry L. Clark gives words of Reflection at the Veterans Day Service and Luncheon hosted by the Fort Greely Chapel on Nov. 11.

“Today, we should turn our thoughts toward the 1.1 million men and women we have in uniform, arguably the next greatest generation, and to those millions more who have gone before…all giving some and some giving all,” said Fort Greely Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Terry L. Clark.

Clark took a lengthy pause after issuing the words above; head down in thought – gratitude for the proud men and women he has served with, before calling on all Americans to not only utter words of thanks, but to act in order to make a positive difference, no matter the size, in the life of a veteran or the loved ones they leave behind.

Jack Warren, Chaplain for Bison VFW Post 22, stands by the America’s White Table display during the Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11 at Fort Greely Chapel.

Members of the local Delta Junction American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars 10450 and Chaplain (MAJ) Earl Vanderhoff also presented moving words throughout the service to include America’s White Table display, a small table signifying the Soldier’s lonely battle against many was covered  with simple items to symbolize a Soldier’s sacrifice. The single lemon slice represented a captive Soldier’s bitter fate; grains of salt showed the tears of families waiting for their loved ones to return.  Along with other emblematic artifacts stood the empty chair and overturned glass, the strongest of all the symbols, to represent the Soldiers who are no longer here and the meal that wouldn’t be eaten.

Raven Munoz, with Cub Scout Pack 76, was on hand to distribute red poppies in honor of Veterans Day at the Fort Greely Chapel Nov. 11.

Cynthia Ozick, an American short story writer and novelist, remembers, “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

Please remember to thank our selfless heroes for their service today and every day.