FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Color guards composed of Sailors assigned to U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F) and Navy Information Operations Command Maryland participated in Fort Meade's Memorial Day Remembrance and 28th Annual Massing of the Colors at the Fort Meade Pavilion May 18.
Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency/chief, Central Security Service, served as grand marshal and keynote speaker of the ceremony, which is held to honor the service and sacrifices of past and present service members.
"The day honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Rogers. "It is important we ... stop and think about those men and women who gave their life in the service of their nation. There is no greater sacrifice or symbol of selflessness."
The event featured more than 50 color guards, representing the military service branches, veterans organizations, community organizations, youth groups, police officers and firefighters, presenting their respective colors.
"I love days like today," said Rogers. "Because they always remind me that life in uniform is about service and sacrifice, which are the very ideas that unify all of us here."
Rogers also thanked and acknowledged the Gold Star Families in attendance for their support of the military and their sacrifice.
Gold Star families are direct next-of-kin family members of service members who lost their lives in WWI, WWII, and subsequent armed hostilities in which the armed forces of the U.S. have been engaged through today.
Highlights of the ceremony included a performance by the U.S. Army Drill Team, a reading of the preamble to the constitution of the Military Order of the World Wars, and a concert by the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band.
"It is truly an honor to be a part of this tradition," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Matthew Jackson, FCC/C10F color guard member. "I enjoyed seeing all the branches, both past and present, come together to celebrate this Memorial Day Remembrance and Massing of the Colors."
For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/.