ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- There are currently more than 19 million military Veterans in the United States.
Approximately 414,000 of them live in the state of Alabama.
More than 770 work on Anniston Army Depot.
These Veterans served the nation in times of war and peace, sacrificing time with family and the comforts of home to keep our nation secure.
During the depot's annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 6, Lt. Col. Shayne Moore, commander of the Anniston Munitions Center, a tenant on the installation, encouraged the crowd gathered to recognize each of these Veterans by thanking those they knew as well as those they saw in their daily life.
"Think of the heroes who join us in this group today and those who are here only in spirit," he said. "A person cannot help but be awed by what we encounter. We stand in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served."
Moore began his speech by remarking on the young men and women of the Gadsden City JROTC and Jacksonville State University ROTC who have already begun to dedicate their lives to military service.
He asked those in the audience who are current or former members of the military to stand and be recognized. Then, he turned his attention to those who have supported them, asking family and friends of service members to stand.
"We know the sacrifices you make. We know the problems you endure to support our Veterans and service members," said Moore. "Your selflessness, determination and pride do not go unnoticed. Nor do we underestimate it."
Moore said Veterans who have served in the military come from all walks of life, but all share the characteristics of courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity.
"These are all qualities needed to serve a cause greater than themselves," he said. "They are ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways to the toughest of times."
Moore also took a moment to remember the fallen, noting they are commemorated often in memorials and with medals.
"Nothing can ever replace the hole left behind by a fallen service member," he said. "No number of medals or ribbons can comfort the family, the battle buddies or the team mates left behind."
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