FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 22, 2014) ‐‐In a stirring display of patriotism and honor to the nation, Fort Meade observed the 28th Annual Massing of the Colors and Memorial Day Remembrance.
Leading the commemoration on May 18 was Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service.
"There is no greater sacrifice, I believe, than for one to give their lives for someone or something else," said Rogers, who served as grand marshal. "That is truly selflessness to me ... because while we hope it never happens, we realize that when you sign up to wear the cloth of the nation, you are assuming that potentiality."
The two-hour event, which was held at the Pavilion, was hosted by the General George G. Meade chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars and the Fort Meade garrison.
MOWW, a national patriotic organization of American military officers and their descendants, is the only organization in the U.S. that sponsors a ceremony of the American flag and military standards.
The Armed Forces Color Guard, from the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region Military District of Washington, presented the colors accompanied by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps of Virginia.
More than 50 military, veteran, civic and youth organizations presented their respective colors.
Highlights of the event included an acknowledgment of Gold Star family members, a demonstration by the U.S. Army Drill Team and a 40-minute concert by the U.S. Army Field Band's Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus.
"This is an important event for all military service members, their families and members of the community," said retired Lt. Col. Sheldon Goldberg, commander of the General George G. Meade chapter of MOWW, in his welcoming remarks. "It allows us to commemorate the sacrifices military men and women have made since the founding of the republic."
Goldberg said the occasion also reminds the community to "say a special prayer" for the safety of active-duty service members in Afghanistan and all other military members serving in harm's way.
Speakers also included Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley.
"It is always a great day to be a member of Team Meade," he said, "but today stands out from others as we have the privilege of partnering with the Military of the World Wars again to celebrate all who serve our nation and who, in President Abraham Lincoln's words, 'gave their last full measure of devotion' to preserve and advance our great nation."
Rogers expressed his gratitude to the audience for acknowledging the importance of service members, past and present, to the nation.
"I thank you for taking time out of busy lives to think about something that is bigger than each and every one of us," he said. "I love days like today because they always remind me that life in uniform is about service and it is about sacrifice."
Rogers thanked the Gold Star family members in the audience and asked them to stand.
"We talk about sacrifice, and everyone of us hopes, if we're all honest with each other, that it's something we aren't going to deal with in our lives," he said. "But you have had to. You and those you love have made that ultimate sacrifice for the nation."
In addition, Rogers said, service members and the nation must also remember the daily sacrifices of military families.
"The life we have chosen in uniform is much tougher on you then it is on all of us," he said. "Sometimes it takes us a while to recognize that in our lives."
Rogers said he always remembers the sacrifice of service members who came before him and that there may be future service members among the youths in the audience.
"I hope I am able to create a legacy for the men and women who come after me," he said.
Among those who attended was retired Navy Photographer Mate 1st Class Grant Goods, treasurer of the Fort Meade chapter of the Retired Enlisted Association.
"I think it was a wonderful event," he said. "Like the admiral said, this day is for those that came before us. They paved the way, so we shouldn't forget that."
This was the first Massing of the Colors for Cadet 2nd Lt. Sean Smith, a sophomore at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia and a member of the school's Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
"This is a true display of American patriotism," he said. "There actually is hope for us as a nation because people care about our country and are proud to be a part of it."
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