10.19.2021 Gaithersburg Veterans Day Observance Honors Military Personnel

Remarks by Colonel (Retired) Jud Stailey

Gaithersburg, MD (October 19, 2021)  The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Thursday, November 11, 2021, honoring and recognizing all U.S. military personnel who play an important role in safeguarding our nation and our future. The observance takes place at 11 a.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 South Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg.

 

The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials and members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Gaithersburg High School NJROTC will present the colors, Junior Mayor Abeer Day will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and 2020 Young Artist Award winner Chloe Jackson will sing the National Anthem. The Gaithersburg High School Jazz Ensemble will perform patriotic music, and Montgomery College Student Kaylee Dobbins will play “Taps.” An outdoor reception will immediately follow the ceremony, with refreshments courtesy of Subway.

 

Joining the observance will be special guest speaker Colonel Judson “Jud” E. Stailey, United States Air Force (Retired). During his 30-year Air Force career, Colonel Stailey earned three National Defense Service Medals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Special Achievement Award Medal, three Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, and two Outstanding Unit Awards. Upon retirement in 2002, Colonel Stailey was awarded the Legion of Merit for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.”

 

To support homeless veterans in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) provides safe, stable and affordable housing to an average of 75 homeless veterans each year. Donations, including food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, are being collected to assist veterans with their move. A complete list is available on the City's website here. Donations can be dropped off during the Veterans Day Observance. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Please make checks payable to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. For more information, please call 301-917-6644 or e-mail Martha Toquinto, mommaofamarine@yahoo.com.

 

For more information on Gaithersburg’s Veterans Day Observance please call 301-258-6350 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.