The numbers of the brave men and women who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam who are still living are decreasing day by day. The time to appreciate them is now. This is why Stafford County built an Armed Services Memorial and why the County honors veterans every Veterans Day with a special ceremony. This year, Stafford resident and 22-year Army veteran Matt Brown has been invited to place the wreath to honor and recognize veterans and their service. Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas, USMC-Ret., is the keynote speaker.
“Mr. Brown and Gen. Christmas are examples of the type of outstanding citizen veterans whose selflessness and generosity enrich our community,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Gary Snellings, Hartwood District. “Not only did they serve their country, both overcoming injuries, they have volunteered in their communities and given their time to others.”
Matt Brown served in the Army from the Vietnam War to Operation Desert Shield. He was exposed to Agent Orange and received wounds to his left eye and right leg. He has volunteered through his church, Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, and helped numerous veterans with the complex process of applying for veterans benefits. Additionally, he helped keep our country safe by working for Homeland Security.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Lt. Gen. Ron E. Christmas, USMC-Ret. Gen. Christmas is the founder of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, former president of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and a member of the Stafford Armed Services Memorial Commission. Gen. Christmas served in the Marine Corps for 34 years. He received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and a Purple Heart medal in the Battle for Hue City in the Vietnam War.
A Color Guard from the Stafford Sheriff’s Office will present the colors. Stafford Sheriff’s Office Chaplain and Marine Corps veteran Ron Thayer will offer the invocation. Mountain View High School senior Sydney Glyver will sing the National Anthem. Chairman Gary Snellings will conduct the ceremony.
The Veterans Day ceremony, out of deference to other local observations, takes place on Friday, November 8, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the memorial located on the west side of the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Bricks purchased since Memorial Day have been installed and will be available for viewing. Bricks are still available and may be ordered by visiting www.staffordcountyva.gov.