Local and state officials gathered at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion Monday to recognize veterans alongside ongoing celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Charlottesville’s founding.
The audience held a respectful silence for the duration of the event, giving standing ovations in recognition of noted veterans. The crowd overwhelmingly consisted of veterans or other community members, not students.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was among those present, in addition to state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, Rep. Robert Hurt, R-Charlottesville, Charlottesville City Council and Albemarle County officials. .
The civic ceremony followed a weekend gala, the climax of a year filled with events and exhibits commemorating the City’s extensive history since it was chartered in 1762. Events surrounding the City’s birthday party have been in the planning for about a year.
Miles Creasey, chaplain of American Legion Post 74, led the invocation, followed by posting of the colors. Post 74 is the Charlottesville and Albemarle chapter of the American Legion, the world’s largest veteran organization, with about 2.4 million current members, according to its website.
Post 74 Vice Commander Ronald Fischer spoke about the significance of Veterans Day, which took place Sunday. “Freedom is not free — it comes with a price,” Fischer said. “We have members of our armed forces sacrificing their services and their lives.”
Deeds spoke after several Albemarle and Charlottesville leaders. He said although he believed the presidential election last week had revealed a divided population, the message he wanted those at the event to take away was very different. “Today reminds us that the things that bind us are far greater than the things that separate us,” Deeds said.
Hurt, the event’s keynote speaker, commended the City for its 250th anniversary celebration and the veterans’ ceremony, saying the festivities allowed citizens to fully appreciate the quality of life in Charlottesville while also reminding them of the fights necessary to preserve it.
“I think that the connection between where we are and what we fight for is very important on this Veterans’ Day, to defend our nation and national security and to take care of those who have taken care of us,” Hurt said.
Hurt, who has served in U.S. Congress since Jan. 2011, said the Capitol rotunda surrounded by statues of the founding fathers is where he is most frequently reminded of the sacrifices made to preserve American liberty.
“Our founders saw how important that was not only for themselves, but for future generations,” he said. “We are grateful to you who have secured that.”
The event came to a close with the laying of wreaths by the Pavilion stage in remembrance of those who had served. The University’s Air Force, Army and Navy ROTC laid one of the wreaths. The audience stood in solemn reverence as volleys fired and a trumpet played “Taps.”
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