FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 13, 2013) -- The Maneuver Center of Excellence took time Thursday to honor America's veterans during a ceremony at the National Infantry Museum's Parade Field.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with a basic combat training graduation for D Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment.
Col. Leopoldo Quintas, Armor School commandant, was the event's guest speaker, and said it was important to honor all veterans as Veterans Day approaches.
"Today, we recognize the honor and service of all of our veterans -- not just the stories of glory that we might see in movies or TV or in the latest video game release, but the real and untold services and sacrifices that have been made by all of our veterans, both past and present," Quintas said.
Harris Pruitt, a Vietnam War veteran who served as part of the 47 Infantry Regiment, said events like Thursday's ceremony make him feel appreciated.
"When we came back from Vietnam, we had trash cans thrown at us at airports," he said. "We never had a welcome home, so coming to events really heals a lot of wounds. We just appreciate these guys so much."
Quintas said veterans deserve respect and recognition because of their unparalleled experiences that many civilians will never truly understand.
"Our veterans have undergone tough, realistic training, long deployments and missions into harm's way … under the most difficult environments imaginable, from the oppressive heat and humidity of the jungles of the Pacific campaign of World War II and Vietnam to the snow and bitter cold of the Korean winter," he said.
Quintas also took time to thank veterans' Families for their sacrifices.
"Our veterans would not and could not serve without the support of their Families … who have served and sacrificed in so many ways," he said. "From the many moves to camps, posts and stations to missed births, birthdays, sporting events and graduations and so much more. To the Family members of our veterans, thank you for supporting your service member. I know it's not easy, but they truly could not do what they do without your enduring love and support."
Quintas also said that generations of veterans have left a legacy that today's Soldiers, including those participating in the ceremony, should be honored to be a part of.
"In every generation, our nation's best and brightest have answered the call of service, valiantly defending America and her allies across the globe," he said. "Today, because of our veterans who have gone before us, we have achieved the most professional, best prepared, most effective fighting force the world has ever seen. The men before you will soon join that force across our country and across the world."
Charles Walton, another Vietnam War veteran of the 47th Infantry Regiment, said being able to attend a graduation as part of the Veterans Day celebration was an honor.
"I'm extremely impressed with the presence they have," Walton said. "These guys are extremely professional -- not just the Soldiers, but the cadre as well. It's impressive to see how well the drill sergeants and all the officers conduct themselves. With my experience with modern Soldiers and today's Army, we're in very good shape as far as any world threat is concerned."
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