Tag: 2016

Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11, 2016

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Special guest Howard Jester, World War II Army combat parachutist and Great Falls resident, observes the Veterans Day ceremony at the Freedom Memorial in Great Falls, Virginia
Special guest Howard Jester, World War II Army combat parachutist and Great Falls resident, observes the Veterans Day ceremony at the Freedom Memorial in Great Falls, Virginia

On Friday, November 11, at 11:00 AM, the annual Veterans Day ceremony was held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial. The ceremony honored all who have served our country in the Armed Forces.  The event included a Marine Corps color guard, patriotic songs by the Langley Madrigals, and remarks by two-star Army General Julie Bentz.  The audience included a special guest, Howard Jester, a resident of Great Falls and World War II Army combat parachutist.

At the conclusion of her speech, Major General Bentz presented a flyer with helpful information for veterans, available here.

A flyer about the event is available here.

Share and view pictures and videos of the event here.

The Great Falls Connection carried a story about the event:

Great Falls Connection, November 16, 2016

September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, 2016

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Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust, Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola, Friend of the Freedom Memorial Sara Hilgartner, U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock, and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Director Chuck Rosenberg observe a moment of silence at the Freedom Memorial in Great Falls, Virginia on September 11, 2016
Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust, Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola, Friend of the Freedom Memorial Sara Hilgartner, U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock, and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Director Chuck Rosenberg observe a moment of silence at the Freedom Memorial in Great Falls, Virginia on September 11, 2016. Photo taken from a story in the Great Falls Connection, to which it links.

On Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 PM, the annual September 11 Remembrance Ceremony was held at the site of the Freedom Memorial. Great Falls lost six residents to the attacks on September 11, thought to be the highest casualty rate in America.  The ceremony honored them, and all who sacrificed on this day and its aftermath.  The event included a Marine Corps color guard, patriotic songs, remarks by Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Charles Rosenberg, and a candle-lighting for each of the September 11 victims from Great Falls.

The Great Falls Connection carried a story about the event.

Share and view photos and videos from the event here, or watch the event below.

Memorial Day Ceremony 2016

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Local dignitaries, assisted by the Boy Scouts, lay a wreath at the Freedom Memorial in Great Falls, Virginia on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016. Photo taken from and links to a story in the Great Falls Connection.
Local dignitaries, assisted by the Boy Scouts, lay a wreath at the Freedom Memorial in Great Falls, Virginia on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016. Photo taken from and links to a story in the Great Falls Connection.

On Monday, May 30th, at 11:00 AM, the annual Memorial Day ceremony was held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.  The event included a taps bugler, patriotic songs, remarks by retired Air Force Brigadier General Richard Stephen Ritchie (one of five American aces during the Vietnam War), a reading of the names and bell-ringing for each of the 26 residents of Great Falls who have fallen in service to our country, a wreath-laying by local dignitaries, and a raising of the flags by Boy Scout Troop 55.

The Great Falls Connection carried a story about the event. View and share photos and videos of the event here.