Hundreds gather at War Memorial to honor veterans
MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH
Those in attendance were surrounded by the names of Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States
Hundreds gathered this morning at the Virginia War Memorial in remembrance of Veterans Day.
Despite the chilly, rainy weather, veterans and others huddled at the memorial on Belvidere Street to honor military service past and present. Those in attendance were surrounded by the names of those Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States.
"It is a day to honor the dead as well as the living and what their sacrifice meant for America," said Charles Brammer, commander of the American Legion's 11th District.
Wreaths were placed around the memorial, followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
Among the veterans in attendance were retired Col. Van T. Barfoot, who received the military's highest honor -- the Medal of Honor -- for his actions on May 23, 1944 near Carano, Italy.
Reader Reactions
There is something about an American soldier…there is none like them in all the world. To all of our veterans - past, present, and future…Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I for one am grateful to all veterans, especially the ones that served in combat. Thank you very much.
The sight of an empty pair of boots,
a 21 gun salute and the sounds of Taps still choked me up.
Lee Greenwood song ‘God Bless the USA’ says it all.
As always, a fine ceremony.
I remember doing flag details for this 3 of my 4 years at manchester with my JROTC
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