Capitol Hill’s Veterans Day Ceremony in Folger Park – Photo Essay

Several hundred veterans and neighbors gathered in Folger Park on Sunday to pay tribute to veterans. This was the scene at 11:00am.

Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) and Councilmember Robert White (At Large) confer before the ceremony.

Presentation of the Colors by The Color Guard

The United States Marine Band Drum and Bugle Corps. “The Commandant’s Own”

Part of the Drum and Bugle Corps brass section

Councilmember Allen told the crowd that today was not only “a day to say thank you, but a pledge that we will never forget.” He commended the marines from the Marine Barracks who were first on the scene at the Capper Senior Housing fire and credited them with helping save hundreds of lives.  Seated are other members of the official party, from left to right: American Post Commander Jason Secrest; Deborah Harmon-Pugh, National Campaign Chair Women Veterans Rock (standing in for absent DC AG Karl Racine); Councilmember at large Robert White; and Karlene Bowen, President, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 8.

Commander Jason Secrest commended some half dozen veterans who survived the Capper fire who were in attendance and the community which came together to honor and support them through a fundraiser organized by the Legion Post. Secrest paid tribute to the marine musicians, who, he noted were also assigned to tours of duty – sometimes serving in combat units – in addition to their musical performance duties.

Taps.