10.25.2023 Gaithersburg Veterans Day Observance Honors Military Personnel

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (October 25, 2023) The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Saturday, November 11, 2023, 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 Milly Abdo will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and members of the Gaithersburg Chorus will sing the National Anthem. The Gaithersburg High School Jazz Ensemble will perform patriotic music, and Gaithersburg High School Band member Abigail Namikisa will play "Taps." A reception with refreshments will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Hall Gallery.

Joining the observance will be special guest speaker Dr. Paul Fowler, Chief Risk Officer in the United States Public Health Service. Dr. Fowler formerly served on the White House Medical Staff, as Legal-Medicine Officer to the Surgeon General of the Army, and as Director of the Medical Evaluation Board for the Wounded Warrior Brigade at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is Past Commander of local American Legion Norman Price Post 68 and Vice Commander for Western Region. He currently serves the American Legion Department of Maryland as its Judge Advocate.

To support homeless veterans in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) provides emergency shelter through the Safe Haven Program to an average of 75 veterans each year. MCCH's Operation Homecoming Program provides homeless veterans safe, stable and affordable housing. Donations, including toiletries and cleaning supplies, are being collected to assist veterans with their move. A complete list is available 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 or donate online here. To arrange drop off items, please email volunteer@mcch.net.

The Veterans Day Observance is sponsored by Mackie's Barbeque Co. and Operation Second Chance – Helping Heroes Move On.

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