The Francis Scott Key Post Number 11 of The American Legion held a ceremony today at Memorial Grounds Park in Frederick to honor the 24.5 million American veterans and the 2.4 million Americans currently serving in the armed forces of the United States.
Members of the city and county governments were present, including mayor elect Jeff Holtzinger and mayor Jennifer 
Dougherty. The colors were presented by color guards from 7 organizations and the crowd was addressed by keynote speaker US Army Colonel Mark Baines from the 21st Signal Brigade at Fort Detrick. Colonel Baines spoke of the sacrifice veterans have made and the continuing efforts today of the US Military to provide security and freedom to all Americans in the war on terrorism.
Memorial wreaths were placed at each of the war memorials in the park. Here, Mr. Kenneth Davis and Mr. Robert Miles place a memorial wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Memorial Grounds Park is at the corner of Second and Bentz Streets in Frederick, and has a memorial for each major war that the US has been involved in.
Approximately 300 people attended the ceremony saluting 
veterans on this day, first proclaimed Armistice Day in 1938 by Congress and then later named Veterans Day in 1954 by Congress and President Eisenhower to honor all who have served this nation. These Marines are with B Company/4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion stationed at Fort Detrick. They placed a memorial wreath in honor of all veterans in the center of the park.
If you know a veteran, or see one today, thank them for their service. I know it's a cliche to say that freedom is not free, but we take many things for granted in the United States. These people who have served, some giving "the last full measure of devotion", should not be one of those things.
There are more photos of today's ceremony in the Around the Nation's Capital photo album.
LATER (November 12, 2005 8:43p ET): Click here for the local paper's article covering yesterday's ceremony.
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