VETERANS DAY 2024

Arlington National Cemetery

On 11 November, members of The Marine Corps Reserve Associaiton Leadership participated in the 2024 Veterans Day celebration at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony began precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying by President Biden at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Once President Biden presented the wreath, the ceremony moved inside the Memorial Amplitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations. MCRA Leadeship, Tim Dunn, Executive Director; Richard Protzman, Staff Judge Advocate; Jeremy Williams, Director of Legislative Affairs; and Dave Leighton, Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors  represented all members of The Associaton during the ceremony.

Various dignitaries, to include the Fleet Reserve Association President Maria Behm, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honarable Denis McDonough and President Joe Biden. The President began his remarks by emphasizing that America's "truely sacred obligation" is to prepare those it sends into harms way and to care for them when they return. He honored the service and sacrifice of Americas military veterans, including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families, during his final speech at the cemetaries Memorial Amphitheater as Commander-In-Chief.  During his remarks he emphasized what an honor it has been the Commander-In-Chief  by stating, "It has been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defend us, generation after generation after generation." The President concluded his remarks by saying, You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world." 

Following the ceremony, Tim Dunn and Dave Leighton presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns on behalf of The Association.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.