On November 11, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day stands as a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of those who have defended the nation in times of war and peace. Each year Greenbelt City Council and the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 sponsor the Veterans Day event held in War Memorial Park at Roosevelt Center. This year Governor and Army veteran Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore joined speakers Mayor Emmett Jordan, State Senator Alonzo Washington, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, Prince George’s County Councilmember Ingrid Watson and Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Ed Rothstein in sharing appreciation of veterans’ service and identifying veterans support programs.
Jordan said in his Veterans Day Proclamation that he called upon all citizens to honor our veterans’ legacy of service, recognize their invaluable contributions and support initiatives ensuring their success in civilian life. “We acknowledge the challenges our veterans face and commend efforts to improve their care and well-being,” he said.
Post 136 Commander Greg Gigliotti said the day’s ceremonies are in honor of “those who have shown their love of God and country, their devotion to liberty and freedom serving their country.” Veterans’ organizations such as The American Legion have said that while not all veterans see combat, an expressed willingness to sacrifice one’s life is a requirement. It has been part of the commitment for military service since George Washington commanded America’s first troops.
State’s Commitment
Governor Moore reinforced his administration’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families across Maryland. “Leave No One Behind is not a talking point for us, it’s a governing philosophy,” said Moore. “At a time when we’re seeing attacks against our veterans and military families, today is a reminder: In Maryland, ‘thank you for your service’ means something. As long as I am governor of the state, it always will.”
In response to the impacts of the federal layoffs that disproportionately affect veterans, the governor announced $250,000 in funding to be allocated to four initiatives that provide critical aid for rent, groceries and household stability. The partnerships built through this effort will help strengthen Maryland’s support network for veterans – one in four of whom are federal civilian employees – and their families.
Secretary Rothstein emphasized the governor’s approach to caring for veterans and their families. He said, “When Maryland veterans fall on tough times, they should not have to face it alone. Those who have served and sacrificed for our nation deserve our support in return. This funding helps meet the immediate needs of veterans and their families and provides stability during times of financial uncertainty. It is a reminder that in Maryland, our commitment to those who served is more than words – it is action.”
Governor Moore brought special understanding of Veterans Day to his commentary. From 2005 to 2006, Moore deployed to Afghanistan with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, leading soldiers in combat. Captain Moore left the Army in 2014. His service medals include the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star Medal.
Lee Ealley, Greenbelt resident and veteran who served in Vietnam from 1968-1971 as a Ranger with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, said, “Having someone who was a combat veteran [as governor] means they understand how important support programs are for assisting veterans and their families.”
Governor’s Visit
Greenbelt Post 136 Past Commander Mike Moore, who serves as the vice chair of the Maryland Veterans Commission, helped arrange the governor’s visit. Working with Rothstein, Mike Moore invited Governor Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore to the Greenbelt Veterans Day Celebration. Mike Moore said, “The event was an enormous success because the city staff made certain that every detail was perfect. Greenbelt Police, Fire Department and Public Works all pitched in to prepare for the visit. And Mayor Jordan and council were perfect hosts.” Mike Moore complimented the governor’s staff, telling them that “they were very professional and easy to work with.”
Governor Moore and First Lady Moore honored Maryland’s veterans and military families during the City of Greenbelt’s Veterans Day celebration, where they observed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Greenbelt War Memorial, saluted through the national anthem and during taps, after the rifle team fired its salute. After formal ceremonies at Roosevelt Center, the governor and first lady traveled to American Legion Post 136 and served at Post 136’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
Public Works Appreciation
Jordan provided the last appreciation for the day’s successful event. The day started at 36 breezy degrees. City Public Works crews arrived to establish the podium, flags, sound systems and all associated parts and pieces. “Everyone was covered trying to keep warm,” Jordan said. “They continued standing flags that wanted to blow over, arranging audience chairs that wanted to move around and finishing installation of various other elements to ensure flawless Veterans Day ceremonies. When the event began, speakers delivered comments on the perfect sound system, guests sat in aligned seats, flags stayed anchored to the ground without blowing over. I was relieved and felt deep appreciation for the Greenbelt Public Works crew. They pulled their gloves and jackets close, ignored the cold and prepared the Veterans Day area for the community and guest speakers including Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore.”
