USAG Wiesbaden Commemorates Service and Sacrifice During Veterans Day Ceremony

CLAY KASERNE, Germany - The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden community came together to honor the service, dedication, and sacrifices of veterans during a commemorative ceremony Nov. 10 at the Freedom Field on Clay Kaserne.

The holiday originated as Armistice Day, marking the temporary cessation of hostilities of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

"And in 1954, Congress rightfully expanded that title to Veterans Day, ensuring that every American, whoever put on the uniform in peace or in war, would be recognized by the nation they swore to protect," said USAG Wiesbaden Command Sgt. Maj. Andre Brown.

Veterans Day is a time to remember all those who have served andto recognize the dedication, service, and enduring sacrifices of those who took an oath to defend freedom. It honors both the living who served and those who gave their lives in defense of the nation.

"Like anyone who has lived the harsh realities of combat, I would love nothing more than to see a world without war. I pray for peace. But realistically, that world is unlikely to arrive in my lifetime or even in my children's lifetime," Brown remarked. "That difficult truth is why we are gathered here today. Freedom is never free. And it's never sustained by accident. For 251 years, the security of our country has been bought and paid for by a distinct group of people."

"Today, only about 1 percent of our nation wears the uniform. Standing watch so that the other 99 percent can sleep peacefully," Brown said. "We may be the one percent. But our bench is deep."

Commemorating Veterans Day remains a cornerstone of military community life, bridging generations of service members and reinforcing the timeless bond shared by those who have worn the nation's uniform.

" It is vital that we honor our veterans and those we lost. Freedom is not free, and it is not self-sustaining. You have to work at it,"said Mark Rado,U.S. Army Europe and Africadeputy chief of staff, retired U.S. Army colonel, and part of the planning committee for the Veterans Day ceremony on Clay Kaserne."That is why we hold these ceremonies - to recognize that singular effort by so many millions of people over the course of our American history. And it didn't happen by accident; it was a joint effort by many people coming together to honor the cause."

Rado also talked about the uniqueness of USAG Wiesbaden with its multitude of services from different nations coming to support the event.

"Having personnel from other services supporting what we do, alongside our coalition of international partners, is deeply important," said Rado. "Showing our allied partners how we honor military service is a vital lesson for them to take back to their own nations."

The ceremony concluded a solemn period of remembrance initiated the previous day.

Prior to the formal gathering, the 2nd Theater Signal Brigade hosted a continuous 24-hour vigil watch. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9 and continuing through 11 a.m. on Nov. 10, service members, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets, veterans, and Department of the Army civilians stood guard in alternating 30-minute shifts. Throughout the 24-hour period, 96 participants took turns standing watch, honoring the fallen and paying tribute to the selfless sacrifice of all U.S. veterans, past and present.

Following the vigil watch, the garrison's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreationcontinued the day of recognition by hosting a Military Appreciation Meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Micheal B. Riley Fitness Center where active-duty service members from both U.S. and allied forces, veterans, and local first responders were treated to a complimentary lunch and community activities.

Through the solemn reflection of the 24-hour vigil, the shared purpose of the commemorative ceremony, and the fellowship of the appreciation lunch, the USAG Wiesbaden community reaffirmed its enduring pledge to honor all who have answered the call to serve.