Families, businessmen, politicians, vendors and servicemembers filled Alexandria's Market Square on President's Day to hear community leaders speak about the partnership between the military and civilian partners in the Quantico/Belvoir area.
The ceremony, sponsored by the Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance, commemorated the historical bond between the civilian community and military during an Armed Forces Community Covenant signing Monday.
"This event is a source of celebration, encouragement and inspiration," said Fort Belvoir's Garrison Commander, Col. Gregory D. Gadson. "It unites us and makes us appreciate each other and it shows thanks to our nation's military and their Families for their service and sacrifice."
The Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance organized the covenant signing, which honors the nation's veterans, active-duty servicemembers and military Families. The Alliance is a non-profit organization whose mission is to position the Northern Virginia Region as a welcoming and supportive community for both the military and its business partners.
Gadson shared speaking time with Military District of Washington Chief of Staff Col. Patrick Warren; Marine Corps Base Quantico Commander Col. David Maxwell; Naval Support Activity Washington Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Varner; Joint Base Andrews 11th Security Forces Group Commander Air Force Col. Erik Goepner and City of Alexandria Mayor William Euille.
Each speaker touched on various benefits of the partnership between the military and surrounding area. Gadson stressed this signing, along with community covenants the garrison has with other neighboring cities, promises to build strong communities that support the strength, resilience and readiness of Soldiers and their Families.
"Signing the covenant today, in conjunction with George Washington's 281st Birthday Parade, is a major part of the fabric of Fort Belvoir's tapestry and reconnects Belvoir with our most historic neighbor," Gadson said.
The signing takes place during a transitional phase within the armed forces as troops begin to return home from wartime duties overseas.
Euille said it's the civilian communities' responsibility to help servicemembers and their Families transition back by presenting education and employment opportunities.
"They must become members again in our communities and society," Euille said. "We're committed to making certain that we provide for not only them but also their Families."
Maxwell applauded the communities surrounding the military installations for the work civic leaders currently put forth in helping Families and servicemembers pursue education and employment. He said the continued support of the civilian communities will help the armed forces successfully complete future missions.
"This covenant … is a great example of the continued mutual support and cooperation that we all seek," Maxwell said.
Each military representative signed and printed their name in a guest book, alongside community, business and political leaders, at the conclusion of the ceremony. Community members also signed the guest book and organizers will include every name from the list onto the official covenant document. The event served as part of the climax to Alexandria's celebration of George Washington's birthday.
The city's month-long festivities included a 10-K race, food tasting and a revolutionary war reenactment. The covenant signing served as a prelude to the Washington birthday parade, which is the largest celebration of Washington. Marching bands, community organizations and political figures were all on display during the two-hour spectacle.
Policemen, children, and goodwill organizations all participated in the march through Old Town Alexandria.
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