Photo By Sgt. William Begley | Col. John D. Kline, commander, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade leads the Soldiers of the...... read more read more
SAVANNAH, Ga. – On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Instituted as Armistice Day, it originally celebrated the end of World War I between the Allied nations and Germany. It went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Nov. 11, 1918.
Then, Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division had recently earned their reputation as the “Rock of the Marne” holding back the Germans on the Marne River.
Today, multiple units and Marne Soldiers were involved in various events all around the Hinesville/Savannah area during the week of, and on Veterans Day, lending their support to a community that has long supported the Marne Division.
Col. John D. Kline, commander, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, was honored to march with his Soldiers representing 3rd ID in the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Savannah.
“Today, our military enjoys the benefits from a society that cares, respects, and honors our vets. Because of this, the Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division are proud to march in Savannah's Veteran's Day parade. We celebrate with the great citizens of America and especially the tremendous patriots of Savannah ... a place many of us affectionately call home,” Kline said.
A receptive Savannah crowd was on hand to cheer the parade in perfect weather as crowds lined the streets to view the many floats and marching bands, including the 3rd ID Marching Band.
Marching in his first parade was Spc. Solomon Peck, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment. A native of Gainesville, Georgia, Peck said it was an honor.
“A lot of my family was in the military, so I am following in their footsteps,” Peck said. “It’s cool that now, instead of being a bystander, I get to participate in the parade.”
Several veterans were in attendance including a Vietnam veteran, George Walker, who came all the way from St. Matthews, South Carolina, to be a part of the festivities.
“It means a lot to me. It lets me know how people around here really feel about America and her veterans,” Walker said.
According to Kline, Vietnam veterans experienced a different climate in America in the early 1970s; far less compassionate and respectful than what the current generation of Soldiers enjoys today. He spoke about why this day is so very important.
“As an active duty Soldier, we must never forget those who have served before us providing the freedoms we so dearly love,” Kline said. “As a society, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who served decades ago. Not only for serving their country, but for changing our culture to one that honors their veterans.”
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2014 08:54 |
| Story ID: | 147845 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 3rd ID Soldiers provide support for local Veterans Day events, by SGT William Begley, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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