Paying Tribute To Veterans: ‘Regular People Doing Uncommon Things’

Leesburg residents and veterans from the area gathered at Dodona Manor Monday morning to offering words of thanks to members of U.S. military branches past and present.

The annual ceremony always draws a crowd to downtown Leesburg, where veterans can be heard sharing stories and patrons can get a glimpse of some of the vehicles and weapons man of our veterans used defending the United States.

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Merdith W.D. Temple said he believes veterans simple want to be remembered as “regular people doing uncommon things.” He then referenced a comment that can be found on a war memorial at the courthouse in Brunswick County, VA, which in part said, “what is memory but love everlasting.”

Other speakers during the ceremony included Col. Phil Rusciolelli, VFW Commander Ray Houck, Rev. Daniel Garcia, Marshall International Center board president Gorham “Rory Clark, Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd and Supervisor Ken Reid (R).

The Linton Hall Fife & Drum Corps; members of the Briar Woods High School band and Heritage High School choir; the Loudoun County Naval Junior ROTC; Veterans of Foreign Wars Loudoun County Post #1177; the Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Bridgade Combat Team; Woodgrove Forefathers and Mom’s Apple Pie all participated in or contributed to the ceremony.