Veterans Day 2014 forth coming Arlington National Cemetery

Novenber 2013

November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day

Washington, DC

11-11-11 Picture's forth coming!

On a very cool and blustery day at Arlington, National Cemetery Officers of the United States Civil Engineering Corps, Seabees, Seabee Veterans, friends and family members gathered to pay proper respects to our past and present Naval Construction Force personnel for the sacrifice that they have made to maintain the freedoms of our Nation that we enjoy today.

Beginning at 0830 on 11-11-2011 the ceremony was kicked off by Master of Ceremonies, Past NSVA National Commander David Buchanan with speeches presented by National Commander Carl R. Barrett and "King Bee" Admiral Christopher J. Mossey. Colors were presented by Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 and prayers rendered for the invocation and benediction by a member of the Naval Chaplains Corps.

Again this year wreaths were placed at the Seabee Monument by the Viet Nam era Seabee Veterans, Admiral Mossey for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and National Commander Carl Barrett and National Vice Commander at Large, Jerry Landcastle, Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Inc. NSVA Past National Commander Bear Holland again made all arrangements for amphitheater and parking passes and Seabee Veteran flag bearers Fred Dickinson of Florida and Tom Troutman of Tennessee steadied the colors to insure they remained upright during the ceremony.

As always those in attendance at this most hallowed CEC/Seabee event participated in reflecting the true Seabee Can Do" Spirit throughout the occasion and reflected further commitment to never forget our active duty construction forces and those who serve with the Seabees both present and past.

Carl

Tropical storm Ida could not dampen the spirits of the faithful with its gusting winds and persistant rain squalls this Veteran's Day. About 50 Seabees and family members gathered at the Seabee monument at Arlington for services at 0900. David Buchanan, past commander of Navy Seabee Veterans of America emceed the event. Speeches were given by W.R. "Bear" Holland NSVA Commander and Rear Admiral Wayne G. Shear, "King Bee" of the Seabees. Three Wreaths were ceremoniously laid by The Vietnam Era Seabees, Seabee Veteran's of America and by Admiral Shear and Force Master Chief Michael E. Holdcraft. All in attendance shared the CAN -DO Spirit and the commitment to support our active and past Seabees. Oorah

L to R, Adm. Shear, Bear Holland, "Ice Pick" Lazzeri, EQCM Johnny McCully , FMC Holdcraft

L to R, Seabee Color Guard

Photos and story, Edwin Foster, www.112thseabees.com

November 11, 2008

Pictures from the ceremony

November 11 2007

There was a smaller than usual turn out for the Annual Veterans Ceremonies sponsored by the Navy Seabee Veterans of America , but for what we lacked in attendance we made up in patriotism, in front of the SEABEE Memorial.

The weather was once again cooperating with us with temperatures in the 40 degree range. Commander David J. Buchanan had welcoming remarks for everyone and Admiral Shear addressed the gathering. Three wreaths were laid, one by the Viet Nam Veterans, one by the Navy Seabee Veterans of America and one by NSVA members Admiral Shear and Force Master Chief of the Seabees James Fairbanks representing the CEC.

At the close of our ceremony we assembled at the Tomb of the Unknown for the presentation of the wreath by Vice President Cheney, and in the Rotunda where the Vice President addressed the Veterans. The SEABEE flag and American flag were carried by Joe Tack of New York and Rick Abernathy of Michigan, both men are retired Master Chiefs and volunteered to carry the flags.

The last ceremony to attend was the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown by the various Service Organizations. This year it was my great honor to represent the NSVA along with Vice Commander Bear Holland in presenting the NAVY SEABEE VETERANS of AMERICA’s wreath to the guard at the Tomb.

This is a very special day commemorating VETERANS all over the world for their contributions to keeping the world a safer place for us and generations to come. If you have never had the opportunity to attend the Washington D. C. Veterans Day Ceremony please make arrangements to do so, you will be impressed.

David J. Buchanan, Cmdr.