Veterans Day Observance Honors Military Personnel

The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials and members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military.

Gaithersburg High School NJROTC will present the colors, Junior Mayor Naman Kedilaya will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and will read the poem "The Noble and the Brave," and members of the Gaithersburg Chorus will sing the National Anthem. The Gaithersburg High School Jazz Ensemble will perform patriotic music, and Gaithersburg High School Band member Ben Bringhurst will play "Taps."

Three resource tables will be available during the event with Operation Second Chance, Rockville Lions Club, and Anchored4Vets. A reception with refreshments, courtesy of Mackie's Barbecue Co., will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Hall Gallery.

Joining the observance will be special guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Sharese N. Junious, the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) to the Command Chief Master Sergeant Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. Chief Master Sgt. Junious is responsible for assisting the Command Chief in advising the commander and staff on matters influencing the health, welfare, morale and effective utilization of all assigned personnel.

Chief Master Sgt. Junious entered the Air Force in June 1997 in Chicago, IL. After nine years, she left active service and later joined the Air Force Reserve in 2007. Chief Master Sgt. Junious has an extensive background in executing and leading Security Forces operations and has served at the squadron, group, and MAJCOM levels. She has deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to assuming her current position, Chief Master Sgt. Junious was the Command Chief, 459^th Air Refueling Wing, Joint Base Andrews, MD.

For more information, please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture.