Photo By Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman | Members of the Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar Honor Guard fold the U.S. flag during a...... read more read more
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AL UDEID, Qatar - Hundreds of service members from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, gathered Nov. 11 to honor veterans past and present with a retreat ceremony at the base.
The ceremony featured the lowering and ceremonious folding of the U.S. flag, the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and a military formation.
Brig. Gen. Darren James, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said it’s important to honor America’s veterans.
“We gather today to recognize the service, sacrifice and selflessness of our veterans, the outstanding men and women who have devoted themselves to patriotism, love of country and sacrifice for the common good,” James said. “We give thanks to over 20 million Americans, who strengthen our nation with their example of service and sacrifice.”
The general shared the story of Lt. Col. Richard Cole, 100, who is one of two surviving Doolittle Raiders from World War II. Cole was one of 80 U.S. Army Air Corps members who volunteered for the mission to attack Japan from the deck of the USS Hornet on April 18, 1942.
“On this Veterans Day, we also honor the current generation of service members,” James said. “Your patriotism, love of country and willingness to sacrifice for the common good have earned that honor.”
Less than 1 percent of Americans are serving in the military. Alongside them are more than 1 million spouses, more than 2 million children, and millions more parents and relatives.
“We absolutely cannot forget about the sacrifices of those family members, along with the selflessness of our service members, as their collective blood, sweat and tears have earned them a place among the greatest of generations,” James said.
President Barack Obama recently issued a proclamation proclaiming Nov. 11, 2015, as Veterans Day and called upon all Americans to honor the men and women who wear America’s uniform.
"The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known," the proclamation said. "The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them."
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, to commemorate the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making the commemoration an annual observance and Nov. 11 became a national holiday in 1938. In 1954, the 83rd Congress changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day, a day to honor all American service members.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.28.2015 08:25 |
| Story ID: | 183038 |
| Location: | AL UDEID AIR BASE, QA |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, AUAB honors veterans past, present, by TSgt James Hodgman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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