QUANTICO, Va. — A special service honoring military veterans will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Sunday.
At least 800 people are expected to converge on the cemetery grounds off Joplin Road in Triangle for a ceremony featuring the Marine Corps Band.
The ceremony will also feature Quantico Base Commander Col. David W. Maxwell as the keynote speaker.
Keepers of the Qauntico National Cemetery — the Potomac Region Veterans Council — helps to organize the event.
Spokeswoman Carol Belles said vehicle traffic in and out of the cemetery is brisk thanks to Marines who help to direct drivers on Joplin Road.
In addition to this ceremony, the veterans council also maintains the flags flown at the cemetery on Memorial and Flag days.
“The ceremony starts promptly at 11 a.m. We wait for no one,” added Belles.
The Potomac Region Veterans Council was founded in 1986 and includes various Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
The program for the ceremony is below:
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Musical Prelude (10:30 – 11:00)
Quantico Marine Corps Band
Ceremony starts promptly at 11:00
Call to Order:
Ron Bantom, Chairman
Potomac Region Veterans Council
Welcome:
Steven E. Fezler, Director
Quantico National Cemetery
Presentation of National Colors
Massing and Parade of Veterans Organizational Colors:
Jay Wilson, American Legion Post #10
Officer-in-Charge, Potomac Region Veterans Council
The Pledge of Allegiance
Wayne Dearie, Vice Chairman
Potomac Region Veterans Council
A Toast to the Flag:
Colonel Frank W. Harris, USMC, Retired
Quantico Chapter No. 44, The National Sojourners
Invocation
Lieutenant Daniel C. Whitaker, US Navy
Musical Selection:
Quantico Marine Corps Band
Introduction of Distinguished Guests:
Ron Bantom, Chairman, PRVC
Opening Remarks:
Colonel David W. Maxwell
Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico
Musical Selection:
Quantico Marine Corps Band
(Service Medleys)
Introduction of Keynote Speaker:
Ron Bantom, Chairman
Potomac Region Veterans Council
Address:
Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills USMC
Commanding General
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Deputy Commandant, Combat Development & Integration
Avenue of Honor Recognition
Wreath Presentation
Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills
Colonel David W. Maxwell
Steven E. Fezler
Military Honors:
Firing Detail and Echo Taps
Quantico Marine Corps Base
Benediction
Jean Young, Chaplain
Potomac Region Veterans Council
Retiring of Colors
This ceremony is dedicated to 1st Sgt Herbert Newman, USMC Retired, PRVC Chairman Emeritus, and Lieutenant Colonel Larry Young, USMC Retired, PRVC Judge Advocate
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