'Never forget what these heroes have done'

The American Legion’s executive director in Washington, Peter Gaytan, was the featured speaker for a Memorial Day observance at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, Va.

Gaytan addressed an audience that assembled despite high humidity and temperatures in the 90s. Some sat in chairs under the sun; many took refuge in the shadows of trees farther away from the stage. Regardless of the heat, all were there to remember and honor America’s fallen heroes.

“Observances like this are happening in communities across America, but there can never be too many of them,” Gaytan said. “We must never lose focus of what Memorial Day means. It’s not about beaches, picnics or auto races. It’s a date to remember as a nation.”

Gaytan referred to a speech made last November by Marine LGen. John F. Kelly, whose son, Robert, was killed in Afghanistan. Kelly told the story of two Marines killed in Iraq: Cpl. Jonathan Yale, 21, and LCpl. Jordan Haerter, 19.

In April 2008, the two men were standing sentry duty outside a barracks with 50 Marines inside. When a suicide bomber drove an explosive-packed truck toward the compound, the Iraqi police retreated. But Yale and Haerter stood their ground, firing nonstop at the truck until it blew up.

Gaytan then spoke about another fallen hero, SFC Lance Vogeler of Savannah, Ga. An Army Ranger, 29-year-old Vogeler served four tours in Iraq and was on his eighth tour in Afghanistan when he died in combat on Oct. 1, 2010.

“This husband and father gave to his country until he simply could not give anymore,” Gaytan said. “We must never forget what these heroes have done, and what their loved ones have lost.

“If you asked our heroes, before they died, how they would like to be honored, most likely they would say, ‘Take care of my family.’

“The American Legion has always shown great pride in our nation’s fallen heroes, and unending support for those Americans who continue to fight for freedom in many corners of the world,” Gaytan told the audience. “It’s important that all veterans, their families and, in fact, all Americans pause to reflect, remember and give thanks to our many heroes. We owe them no less.”

Several other Legionnaires attended the Quantico ceremony, including George Lussier, Jr., a National Executive Committeeman from the Dept. of Virginia.

The day’s ceremony began with Karl MacDonald, director of the cemetery, welcoming the audience. Col. Daniel Choike, commander of the Quantico Marine Corps Base, made opening remarks before Gaytan gave the keynote address; afterwards, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony while a Marine detail fired a rifle salute and a Marine band member played “Taps.”

Gaytan was invited to speak by the Potomac Region Veterans Council, which sponsored the ceremony.