‘We thank you’: Veterans honored at Virginia War Memorial’s 68th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginians across the Commonwealth gathered in Richmond on Monday, Nov. 11 to honor and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. military. The Virginia War Memorial hosted its 68th annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, drawing hundreds of attendees to celebrate the courage and dedication of military men and women, both past and present. The event, held in the Memorial’s outdoor amphitheater, was a moving tribute to those who have defended the freedoms Americans hold dear. The ceremony brought together veterans from all branches of the military, military families and active-duty service members, united in their recognition of the immense sacrifices made by those who serve. “We wouldn’t have our freedoms without their sacrifice and without the sacrifices of their families,” said Vera Adcock, who was there with her husband Mars. Their son, Captain Shane Adcock, was killed in action during the Iraq War in 2006. "Before we lost our son, today was just another day," Mars Adcock said about Veteran's Day. "Until you've had a loss or you know someone who's had a loss, you don't really understand the significance of this day and what it has on the effects of all the young men and women who served." For years now, they have been attending this annual event, both to remember their son and other people who have known the meaning of sacrifice for this country. "He was trying to do what he felt God was leading him to do and serving this country," Mars Adcock said, reflecting on his son's commitment to duty. General Gary Brito, the keynote speaker at the event, paid tribute not only to the veterans but also to the families who support them. "Those that waved the flags during homecoming ceremonies, mailed care packages, moved multiple times, changed schools, endured separation—yes, you are indeed special as well, and we thank you," Brito said, acknowledging the often-overlooked sacrifices made by military families. The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches and performances, with attendees expressing gratitude for the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans. As the day came to a close, the Commonwealth stood united in honoring the brave men and women who continue to defend the nation's freedom. Veterans Day in Virginia remains a time for reflection, remembrance and recognition, not only for those who have served but also for their families and communities that support them.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginians across the Commonwealth gathered in Richmond on Monday, Nov. 11 to honor and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. military.
The Virginia War Memorial hosted its 68th annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, drawing hundreds of attendees to celebrate the courage and dedication of military men and women, both past and present.
The event, held in the Memorial’s outdoor amphitheater, was a moving tribute to those who have defended the freedoms Americans hold dear. The ceremony brought together veterans from all branches of the military, military families and active-duty service members, united in their recognition of the immense sacrifices made by those who serve.
“We wouldn’t have our freedoms without their sacrifice and without the sacrifices of their families,” said Vera Adcock, who was there with her husband Mars. Their son, Captain Shane Adcock, was killed in action during the Iraq War in 2006.
"Before we lost our son, today was just another day," Mars Adcock said about Veteran's Day. "Until you've had a loss or you know someone who's had a loss, you don't really understand the significance of this day and what it has on the effects of all the young men and women who served."
For years now, they have been attending this annual event, both to remember their son and other people who have known the meaning of sacrifice for this country.
"He was trying to do what he felt God was leading him to do and serving this country," Mars Adcock said, reflecting on his son's commitment to duty.
General Gary Brito, the keynote speaker at the event, paid tribute not only to the veterans but also to the families who support them.
"Those that waved the flags during homecoming ceremonies, mailed care packages, moved multiple times, changed schools, endured separation—yes, you are indeed special as well, and we thank you," Brito said, acknowledging the often-overlooked sacrifices made by military families.
The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches and performances, with attendees expressing gratitude for the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans. As the day came to a close, the Commonwealth stood united in honoring the brave men and women who continue to defend the nation's freedom.
Veterans Day in Virginia remains a time for reflection, remembrance and recognition, not only for those who have served but also for their families and communities that support them.
