ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- On a cold and blustery day, Joint Munitions Command Soldiers honored the service and sacrifice of our Nation's service members during Veterans Day ceremonies, Nov. 11.
Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony M. Bryant Jr. served as the grand marshal and keynote speaker during the City of Davenport, Iowa, Veterans Day Parade and recognition ceremony.
The parade featured community organizations which included a Color Guard; members of the Vietnam Veterans of America; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Korean War Veterans; American Legion Riders; Patriot Guard Riders; the Davenport West High School Marching Band; and Army and Marine Corps ROTC program members from Davenport Central and North High Schools.
Following the parade, Bryant provided remarks at the Scott County Courthouse flagpole. The ceremony included a rifle salute, a wreath laying, taps, an invocation and patriotic music.
"I am so proud to be in the Army every day, but especially today," said Bryant. "I am proud I have the opportunity to serve with these great men and women in uniform, the next greatest generation."
Bryant believes it's a team effort by the government and local community, to support Veterans during and after their service to our country.
"I am honored when I travel around the Quad Cities and someone says 'Thank you for your service,'" Bryant added. "I always respond with 'Thank you for your support.'"
Col. David M. Banian, JMC chief of staff, served as the keynote speaker during the City of Bettendorf's Veterans Memorial ceremony.
The Veterans Day ceremony featured an invocation by Father Jason Crossen and remarks by the Veterans of Foreign Wars commander, the Vietnam Veterans of America president, the American Legion commander and Mayor Robert Gallagher, Jr. Following remarks, Banian and Gallagher placed a wreath at the memorial and taps honored the Veterans' sacrifices.
"On this Veterans Day, we lift our thoughts, gratitude and prayers to our past and current veterans," said Banian. "Veterans are those who chose to serve a cause that was greater than themselves. Many volunteered even when they were aware of the possibility of being sent into harm's way. As it says in this Bettendorf monument, freedom isn't free."
Banian believes Veterans and their families have unique lives and challenges.
"Being an Army family is hard in its own way," added Banian. "It's never easy to send your son or daughter off to boot camp, to console your children when your wife or husband is deployed, or to feel the pain of seeing your loved one injured, or worse, hearing taps as they are put to rest. These families do this every day. And today, as we remember and recognize our Veterans, we recognize their families who have stood beside our Veterans and have served and sacrificed in their own way."
Stationed on the Rock Island Arsenal, the JMC Soldiers were but a few of the featured speakers that participated in Veterans Day Ceremonies around the Quad-Cities.
JMC produces small-, medium- and large-caliber ammunition items for the Department of Defense. JMC is the logistics integrator for life-cycle management of ammunition and provides a global presence of technical support to U.S. combat units wherever they are stationed or deployed. JMC's logistics operation is unique to the DoD and its industrial base is important to supporting the Warfighter.
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