Annual McLean ceremony honors U.S. veterans

American Legion Post 270’s annual Veterans Day ceremony was held on Monday morning at the American Legion Memorial Garden in front of McLean High School, and celebrated the dedication and courage of veterans and their service to the United States.

“Every single liberty we enjoy as an American, we owe to the veterans who served our country,” said John Foust, member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

The ceremony also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the armistice between the Allies and Germany, which ended World War I.

Both retired and active duty veterans—including two who fought in World War II—attended the ceremony, and were honored by local politicians along with McLean’s own National History Honor Society.

“When you see a veteran, say ‘always remember,'” said veteran Sam Roberts, Post 270’s Finance Officer and former Special Events Director at the McLean community center.

Honored guests from the Virginia House of Delegates included Kathleen Murphy of the 34th district, member of the Virginia Board of Veteran Services, Marcus Simon of the 53rd district, former U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps Officer, and Rip Sullivan of the 48th district.

Simon represented the VA Values Veterans Program as well, which emphasizes the education and training of employers throughout Virginia to understand and recognize the potential and efforts of all veterans in the domestic workforce.

“One word you remember today is to value [the veterans],” Simon said.

McLean students Caroline Raymond and Justin Ngo spoke at the ceremony on behalf of McLean High school. In his speech, Ngo, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam after the Vietnam War, acknowledged U.S. veterans who served not only our country but also countries all over the world.

“We all know someone, whether it be a teacher, relative, or acquaintance, who has or is currently serving,” Ngo said. “Veteran’s Day is a day we take to honor those who have sacrificed not only their time, but also their lives in order to defend our freedoms. We often take our freedoms for granted.”

The ceremony finished with a bittersweet tone; a veteran played “Amazing Grace” on the keyboard as representatives from the fire department placed a garland of red, white, and blue flowers and a sash that read “Heroes Live Forever” into the memorial site. The whole crowd sang an off-pitch, but heartfelt, “God Bless America” in unison as the ceremony concluded.

“Take the time out of your day to appreciate the people who have afforded you the opportunity to even go to school and go about your daily lives,” Ngo said. “If you have ever enjoyed your freedom, thank a veteran.”