U.S. Navy photo by Doug Davant Cmdr. Dennis Quick, executive officer of NSASP, and Bob Wernsman, commander of King George's American Legion post place wreath at NSF Dahlgren flagpole.

Each drew on the sacrifices American veterans made in foreign wars, especially remembering those who paid the supreme sacrifice for freedom.

‘‘This holiday is a day unlike any other. Since the end of World War I we have come together to honor and remember those who have done their duty, as God allowed them to see that duty. This holiday used to be called Armistice Day to remember the ‘‘War to End All Wars” but, sadly as the Greek philosopher Plato pointed out, ‘‘only the dead have seen the end of war” and, so, today we know it as Veterans Day,” Hanft told the Veterans Day Holiday assembly at Indian Head.

‘‘These Americans did their duty for the flag that flies above us here and for the country they loved. Many of us know who they are because some are right here among us now. To all of them, I say thank you for your service to our grateful country,” she said. ‘‘We should look at their courage, their resoluteness, and their actions. They didn’t expect much from life, were without resources, save only their wise heads and stout hearts. They thought themselves ordinary, and ended up being great because much was expected of them. They didn’t let the free world down.”

The Indian Head Village Green event featured Mrs. Mabel Painter, the last surviving Gold Star mother of the town of Indian Head. It also honored the memory of Harry C. Davis, a 91-year-old World War II veteran who was passed away two years ago, and was member of American Legion Post 233 of Indian Head.

At the other Veterans Day events, Quick told the assemblies that ‘‘...as many veterans here can tell you, 'freedom is not free'. Freedom demands a payment in blood. Veterans can also tell you that wars are not started by veterans. World events do that. And the event that has most recently resulted in American veterans occurred on September 11th 2001.”

‘‘So, because of the ongoing current worldwide war against terrorists, this Veterans Day is different from previous years before 2001. The events since the attack on our nation -- and on world order itself -- gave rise to a fresh appreciation for those in uniform. Since that tragic September, Americans young and old alike have instinctively turned to our military as the symbolic, yet also very real, source of national strength,” he said.

‘‘You may not think it would be important to rely so heavily on a day of symbolism. But, like it or not, an important part of our heritage has often involved a detached view of the military. Once a threat passes, our nation tends to take those in uniform for granted. Therefore, we must never forget the importance of Veterans Day. We must always remember the sacrifices of veterans who realize that freedom is never free,” he said.

Today, in Afghanistan, there will most probably be a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman or Guardsman who has to pay the price for that freedom. Remember that! Because, if there is one thing that I can impress upon you to take away from your being here today, it is that important fact!” he pointed out.

A wreath of remembrance was placed at both NSF Indian Head and Dahlgren to commemorate the holiday.