Nation's capital, Legionnaires observe Veterans Day

Since the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, Veterans Day has been an opportunity for citizens throughout the nation of all ages, colors and creeds to take time out to reflect and honor American veterans of all wars.

Legionnaires were among the ranks of distinguished guests participating in ceremonies and observances across the nation’s capital.

Vice President Joe Biden kicked off the day’s festivities laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns. National Vice Commander William Bryant was on hand to observe the ceremony, and Department of Virginia Commander Gerald Rhoads represented the Legion, also placing a wreath at the tomb.

Bryant said he enjoyed the ceremonies he attended throughout the day, including the annual Veterans Day observance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

During the ceremony, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel – the first enlisted combat veteran to lead the Defense Department – a ddressed the audience with words of hope as tears streamed down the cheeks of many in attendance. “I've always remembered that Veterans Day in 1969 because it reminded me of the one constant throughout the Vietnam War – the one constant that many of you who are here today recall from that war,” Hagel said. “And that constant was the uncommon valor of Americans.”

Hagel urged U.S. citizens to support troops currently serving by helping them integrate back into civilian society.

“They don’t need a handout or hand up, they just want the opportunity to continue proving themselves,” he said. “It falls on us to make sure that they get that opportunity, the opportunity that too many veterans have been denied in the past.”

The Vietnam veteran also said it is imperative to take the same approach towards veterans. "Let's honor our veterans by creating new opportunities – new opportunities for them to contribute after their service in uniform so they can continue to help make a better world," said Hagel.

Verna Jones, executive director of the Legion’s Washington, D.C., office said she was moved by Hagel’s words.

“His words show he has a lot of passion for veterans,” she said. “He wants to make benefits more accessible to veterans and he suggested great ways to make things better for veterans. The American Legion stands beside him in his quest to do so.”

Following remarks, Jones and Bryant laid a wreath at the wall on behalf of The American Legion.

Jones said it was an amazing and almost overwhelming feeling to represent the Legion. She recalled her feelings of being filled with a sense of pride while participating in the ceremony. She reflected for a moment on her father, a Vietnam veteran who loved his country and always displayed his patriotism. The thought of his American flag waving in the wind on her family’s land brought tears to her eyes, and she said she cherished memories of him that played vividly in her mind while a lone bagpiper played taps.

“It is important the nation continue the time honored tradition of showing respect and honoring troops of yesterday and today,” Bryant said. “Quite frankly, it should be Veterans Day every day of the week.”