County Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony

Prince William County elected officials, residents, county staff and others gathered Thursday to honor veterans during the county’s 2023 Veterans Day Ceremony. Watch the video of the event here.

“Today, we are gathered here at the Freedom Park Memorial, where the names of veterans and heroes are listed on this memorial wall, to observe their many sacrifices and reflect on their many achievements,” said Prince William Chair-At-Large Ann Wheeler. “Many Americans have served in our nation's armed forces. There is no doubt that America’s fighting men and women have given much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to our neighbors who have served – and to all of those who were injured and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”  

Wheeler told those who attended the short ceremony that members of the nation’s armed forces are deployed around the world on land, at sea and in the air to protect the nation’s interest and to ensure that, “America’s beacon of light continues to shine.”  

“From the war for independence to WWI, to Pearl Harbor, WWII, to Korea, Vietnam, to September 11, the fight in Afghanistan to Iraq, the battle against ISIS, and every engagement in between – America’s brave sons and daughters have willingly come forward to defend our nation and our beliefs,” Wheeler said.  

Wheeler also recognized the families of veterans who also make sacrifices to the nation and provide needed support so that military members can perform their duties.  

“The nation's military forces could not carry out their duties without the critical support that families and loved ones provide every day,” Wheeler said.  

Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor Victor S. Angry, a retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major, also spoke at the ceremony and said that heroism demonstrated by veterans often goes unnoticed by those who enjoy the freedoms that heroism bought.  

“Veterans are ordinary people who have done the extraordinary. They have sacrificed in service to our country; and they have fought to protect our country and maintain our way of life here in the United States. Their service has improved our country in countless ways. The contributions veterans have made are incalculable,” Angry said. “So, on this Veterans Day, and every day, let us take time to remember our past and present veterans and the debt we owe them for the sacrifices they made to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the United States of America. Let us recognize them; let us show our utmost respect for them; and let us be grateful to them and their families for their service, their sacrifice and their dedication to this great country.”  

Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter said Veterans Day is a special occasion to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 

“The importance of this day cannot be overstated,” Shorter said. “It is an opportunity for us to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by these individuals in defending our country and protecting our freedoms. Veterans Day is a time to show our appreciation for their service and to remember sacrifices they made to ensure our safety and our security. As we commemorate this day, let us take a moment to reflect on the courage, the dedication and the selflessness of our veterans. They have put their lives on the line to defend our nation and we owe them a debt of gratitude that will never … be fully repaid.”  

During the ceremony, Retired U.S. Army Col. Vincente C. Ogilvie, commander of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), surprised Angry with a certificate recognizing Angry as an MOWW Patriot Companion. 

"Today, I'm here on a mission.... to honor another veteran, a patriot who is here among us today," said Ogilvie.

The Prince William County Joint Color Guard presented the colors to begin the ceremony followed by Cindy Leigh Leaf who sang the National Anthem. Members of the Prince William Veterans Commission, Chairman Tim Parrish and Occoquan District Commissioner Nancy Jean-Louis placed a wreath in front of the black, granite war memorial at the park. Prince William County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief-Executive Officer Kim Stewart played “Taps” to end the ceremony.