Photo By Sgt. Ashley Phillips | Col. Peter Buck greets children along the parade route of the Beaufort County Veterans...... read more read more
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Marines, sailors and the local community came together to honor the veterans of America at Beaufort National Cemetery, Nov. 11. The Tri-command and local community held a Veterans Day parade and ceremony to remember, honor, and celebrate the men and women who have served and are currently serving the nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Seeing an elderly veteran rise and salute as the American flag passes by
is an honor and privilege,” said Sgt. Maj. Derrick Mays, the sergeant major of 2nd Recruit Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. “They are living history. Not a lot of individuals serve in the Armed Forces, see and do the things they have, and what we do today. They paved the way for us.”
The Parris Island Marine Band led the parade with a police escort. They were followed by the city council and Beaufort County’s Veteran Affairs. Other veterans groups followed on their own floats, waving at the onlookers who lined the streets to show their support and recognize the veterans.
“It warms my heart,” said Sgt. Maj. Angela Maness, the sergeant major of
MCRD Parris Island. “What I see when I look at these veterans is my father, my grandfather, rising from their wheel chair to salute our flag out of respect.”
The commanders and sergeants major of MCAS Beaufort and MCRD Parris Island followed directly behind the band, breaking out of the parade to shake veteran’s hands and give them a dress blue uniform button.
“It’s hard to describe the emotions I feel when I see all of this-” said Ralph Fabiano, retired Petty Officer third class. “Respect for our flag, our country, pride in serving, the weight of history, what it took to come to where we are. The medals and pins we handed out are just a small token of respect. ‘We remember. We care. You are not forgotten.’ That’s what those small things mean. That’s what today is about.”
Colonel Peter Buck, the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort spoke at a
ceremony at the end of the parade. At the end of the ceremony pins and medals were handed out to any Vietnam and Korean War veterans who came forward.
“It’s an honor to recognize all veterans, but this year during the ceremony, especially the Vietnam and Korean War veterans,” said Linda Bogae, an administrator with Beaufort County Veteran’s Affairs. “This year we are honoring Vietnam War veterans with commemorative pins. Also we will be presenting Korean War medals to some of our veterans of that war.”
The ceremony closed with a 21 gun salute presented by the MCAS Beaufort rifle detail. As the veterans left, many of them took a walk throughout the cemetery. Some placed flowers on the headstones, others stood quietly. The event, medals and pins served as a small gesture of thanks and remembrance for the veterans who serve and have served our country.
“We have our young Marines here from Parris Island,” said Maness. “Many are too young to understand the gravity of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and how those who fought sacrificed, but what they do understand is shaking the hand of the people that served before them. We do what we can to show our gratitude and respect.”
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2016 11:21 |
| Story ID: | 215149 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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