City of Gaithersburg issued the following announcement on Oct. 5.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that brought an end to World War I. To recognize this occasion and to honor all of those who have served our country, the City of Gaithersburg will hold its annual Veterans Day Observance on Sunday, November 11, 2018. There will be an official ceremony at 1 p.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 S. Summit Avenue. Activities will also take place prior to the observance at the adjacent Gaithersburg Community Museum.
The Museum will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 11. Visitors can view the exhibit, “Gaithersburg in World War I,” and are invited to add names to a book of veterans from Gaithersburg who served during the war. At 11 a.m., Gaithersburg will join with communities around the country in “Bells of Peace,” a nationwide initiative of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission to encourage all Americans to participate in a tolling of the bells in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed. Learn more about the national program here.
At 1 p.m., City officials and members of local veterans groups will honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Officials, veterans and community organizations will also participate in a solemn wreath laying ceremony, followed by a reception inside City Hall.
Joining the observance will be special guest speaker Lieutenant Commander Kenneth B. Wagner. Lt. Cmdr. Wagner first enlisted in the Navy in 1970. He reenlisted in 1978, and served in various capacities until his retirement in 1996. His many assignments included Combat Information Officer aboard the USS LEXINGTON, Weapons Officer to new construction on the USS NEVADA, and Officer in Charge of the Deep Submergence Vehicle, SEA CLIFF. He supported numerous deep ocean salvage operations, including involvement in the 1992 filming of the National Geographic movie, the “THE LOST FLEET,” covering the 50 year anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal.
At the observance we will be collecting items to support homeless veterans in Montgomery County. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #2562 is partnering with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) to support Operation Homecoming, which provides safe, stable and affordable housing to an average of 75 homeless veterans each year.
Food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other items are needed to help veterans with their move. A complete list is available here. Donations can be dropped off during the Veterans Day Observance. Monetary donations are also being accepted, and will be used to purchase furniture, small kitchen appliances, linens, and household items. Please make checks payable to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. Drop-offs, tax deductible receipts and more information are available between 4 and 9 p.m. at MCCH, 600 East Guide Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, 301-917-6644. For more information about the VFW contact Martha Toquinto at 301-948-0781, mommaofamarine@yahoo.com.
Original source can be found here.
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