ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- The Veterans who served the U.S. Armed Forces, both during times of war and times of peace, are examples of lives lived in selfless service.

Col. Martine Kidd, Anniston Army Depot's commander, reminded the installation of this during the installation's Veterans Day Ceremony, Nov. 5 at the Physical Fitness Center.

She began by reminding those in attendance, as well as those watching via a broadcast on the depot's closed circuit television channels, that service to our nation comes in many different forms.

"We're here to celebrate those who have worn our nation's uniform or are currently wearing it," said Kidd. "But, service comes in many colors and stripes and we have a whole depot of folks who are performing service to our nation."

Kidd asked everyone to listen to the stories of Veterans and take them to heart, saying we should never forget the service of those who fought for their country.

She noted the projects collecting the memories of WWII Veterans, preserving their service for future generations.

"So many stories, so many lives, so many who have contributed their chapter to the story of our nation's rich, rich history," said Kidd.

She then passed along a few stories she had collected - tales of those who fought in the Civil War, WWII and other conflicts throughout U.S. history and who are now interred on depot property.

These individuals' service often inspired their future generations to serve, in one capacity or another, leading some of their descendants to become employees at Anniston Army Depot, doing their part to supply the warfighters.

Kidd said it is each person's responsibility to be grateful to those who have served and to work hard each day to preserve the freedoms they fought and sacrificed for.

"We've awarded many medals over time to Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in service to our nation. We have added their names to monuments and named buildings after them in honor of their bravery," said Kidd.

"But, nothing can replace the hole that is left behind by a fallen servicemember and no number of medals and ribbons can comfort those who are left behind."

Kidd expressed her own gratitude to the more than 900 Veterans across the installation for their service. These individuals make up nearly one fifth of the workforce across the depot, including tenant organizations.