ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The local military community honored those veterans resting in peace at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery.
Joint Munitions Command Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Bryant served as the guest speaker at the Wreaths Across America ceremony, Dec. 14.
"I am honored to speak with you today during this day of reflection and remembrance," he said. "Being a Soldier, being a member of the Armed Forces, there's nothing greater than remembering and honoring those individuals who have served, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation."
Wreaths Across America's mission is to remember, honor, and teach, through wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and at other veterans' cemeteries in all 50 states.
"A few years ago I was listening to a speech by a now retired general. He stated, when a person passes on, the headstone has two dates on it. The day they were born, and the day they died. He said we need to focus in on the dash in the middle. How did they live their life? How did they live their dash? We know these individuals lived part of their life in service to their nation."
Bryant noted other days that Americans honor veterans.
"I am thankful that I live in a country where the citizens honor their veterans on days such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day, and on a day like today. When each wreath is placed down by a gravestone, it symbolizes acknowledging the sacrifices that a service member gave on behalf of our country."
Bryant concluded with a message to the audience.
"As you leave today know that your very presence here has honored those in their final resting place," he said. "We must continue to remember, to honor, and to teach the next generation."
From its headquarters here, JMC operates a nationwide network of conventional ammunition manufacturing plants and storage depots, and provides on-site ammunition experts to U.S. combat units wherever they are stationed or deployed. JMC's customers are U.S. forces of all military services, other U.S. Government agencies, and allied nations.
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