By Katie Lathrop

MOAA representatives, along with 24 other members of the Veterans Day National Committee, participated in the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.  

Vice President Mike Pence and Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie presided over the service.

“Every veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States is a hero to the American people,” Pence told the crowd. “ And on this day, it’s our duty to tell your story — the story of what you did for us, what you did for our country, and all that you’ve done to ensure the survival and the success of liberty.”

Cmdr. George Wallace, USN (Ret), of the Mount Vernon, Va. Chapter and Col. Fred Edwards, USA (Ret), of the Northern Virginia Chapter served as color bearers.

MOAA members also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of those who lost their lives in service to our country.

Mrs. Annie Brock and Capt. Erik Pierce, USPHS (Ret), of the Montgomery County, Va. Chapter and MOAA Vice President of Government Relations Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), laid the wreath at the tomb.

“It is an honor to participate in this ceremony and recognize all of those who have put a uniform on,” Merry said.