YAVORIV, Ukraine - Tennessee Guardsmen along with Soldiers from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine and United Kingdom honor Veterans Day, Polish Independence Day and Remembrance Day at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Nov. 11.
The morning began with a ceremony hosted by the Polish Soldiers followed by a salute to the veterans and presentation of colors.
The U.S. Soldiers hosted a 12-mile ruck march to honor veterans, which also provided donations for Gold Star Families back in the states. The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Crockett provided a motivational speech before the step-off.
"I'm proud to be a veteran and I am proud to be here with all these veterans, we all have served, and we all understand the sacrifices," stated Crockett. "I challenge you to remember all the people you have served with and the ultimate sacrifice some have made for their country."
"Today is the day we remember those who have served and those who are currently serving," said Crockett.
Ten minutes before 11 o'clock, the Canadian Soldiers hosted a wreath-laying ceremony and a two-minute moment of silence. The moment of silence was a remembrance to the World War I Armistice which was signed at 11 o'clock in 1918. The ceremony ended with the laying of the wreath and the poppies. Each Soldier wore a poppy and placed it at the wreath. The poppy is a tradition and a symbol of remembrance and hope.
"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor past and present brothers and sisters while deployed in Ukraine," stated 1st Lt. Jason Seiber. "We stood side-by-side and honored not only veterans from the U.S. Army but also veterans from our partner and allied nations."
All of the Veterans Day events concluded with a multinational barbeque and gathering between Soldiers.
Soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment out of the Tennessee National Guard are deployed here in support of the development of the Yavoriv Combat Training Center.
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