Yearly observance already held, can be replayed from company’s website.
USAA, The American Legion’s preferred provider of financial services, conducts a yearly Veterans Day event before Nov. 11, which is recorded for later playback by anyone who wishes to watch. The 2011 event is now available for viewing.
This year’s theme is “Continuing Service,” honoring the ongoing commitment of America’s military veterans. Even when they hang up their uniforms, the men and women of America’s military continue to serve our country. The core values of sacrifice, dedication, honor and courage stay with them as they take on new challenges in civilian life. Their stories are unique, but they share a common ground: to give back to the country they love.
Highlights of the ceremony include:
- A keynote speech by retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Smith, a former Navy SEAL commander and 31-year SEAL team member, who now shares messages of leadership, character and service as a public speaker and officer in numerous organizations.
- A musical performance by The New Direction Veterans Choir, a group of former homeless veterans who raise their voices in song to inspire others, and who last year became a national sensation after an appearance on the TV show “America’s Got Talent.”
- Stories of three former military doctors who exemplify a life of ongoing service through their continued practice of civilian medicine. Using the skills they learned in combat medicine, these doctors have become leading experts in trauma and neurosurgery, two of whom brought those skills to bear in the treatment of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords after her devastating shooting in January.
- A look at the Department of Defense’s Military Working Dog Program, which provides dogs for use in patrols and drug and explosive detection. Based at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, the program provides dogs for a variety of governmental agencies. Featured was one former military dog that now continues its service for the San Antonio Police Department along with its handler, C.J. James, an Air Force veteran and 18-year police officer.
Watch the USAA event here.
- Veterans Day