Little Rock remembers Veterans Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  "They fell, but o'er their glorious grave
Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save."

-Francis Marion Crawford

Veterans Day, formally known as Armistice Day, is a day instituted to honor all war veterans living and deceased.

Nov. 11, 1918, the Allied Forces and Germany signed an armistice agreement for the cessation of WWI. After the Second World War, Nov. 11 has since been celebrated as Armistice or Remembrance Day in the British Commonwealth of Nations and as Veterans Day in the U.S.

Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., along with its community partners, recognized the contribution of war veterans, who displayed courage and patriotism in the face of danger during their service at the Veterans Day Retreat Ceremony Nov. 7, 2013.

The ceremony began at 4 p.m. with the 19th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Patrick Rhatigan, taking accountability for the wing and thanking Team Little Rock and the community for gathering to honor 22 million service members who fought and are still fighting in war, at home and abroad.

The 314th Airlift Wing commander and guest speaker for the ceremony, Col. Scott Brewer, started his speech with, "On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent."

He said, that day, known as Armistice Day, is reserved to honor all service members dead, wounded and alive. Brewer elaborated on the rather large history of war, dating back to biblical days with Cain and Able. He stated that with 9/11 and other numerous recent attacks, there was still work to be done.

"No matter how far you look down the timeline, there's far too much hate," said Brewer. "Veterans and their families know that all too well."

Brewer ended his speech saying though there's sure to be more wars; we will always remember the valor of the veterans and the freedom they fight for.

As the ceremony closed, the base Honor Guard retired the colors at 4:30 p.m., and Col. Rhatigan released the formation.