Honoring Heroes: Veterans Day 2024
On Monday, November 11, the Marshall Center welcomed over 275 guests for our 20th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration, which we are always proud to co-host with the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County.
Attendees interact with WW2 vehicles and enjoy the beautiful weather on Veterans Day
Veterans, families, community leaders and some adorable four-legged friends gathered at Dodona Manor on a bright sunny day filled with patriotism, pride and gratitude. Guests enjoyed exploring vintage WW2 jeeps on the lawn, a lively performance by Briar Woods High School Band, cookies provided by Mom's Apple Pie and free tours of Dodona Manor following the program.
Attendees wait to enter Dodona Manor for a docent-led tour.
Ken Falke, Founder & Chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation and a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Navy Special Operations Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), delivered the program’s keynote address.
“When we think of strength, we often envision physical prowess—the kind of strength that's displayed on the battlefield,” Falke said. “But true strength encompasses much more. It's about strength in the face the adversity, moments of fear and courage and selfless commitment to a greater cause than oneself. Veterans embody these qualities in ways that inspire us all.”
Tom Greenspon, a former Navy aviator and Chairman and President Emeritus of the Marshall Center, recounted powerful words delivered by George C. Marshall on Armistice Day in 1941. “General Marshall said that our military is no stronger than the people behind it,” Greenspon said. “Warriors require the whole-hearted support of their home folk. They are entitled to it. They must have it.”
A number of local veterans organizations represented those who have served, including American Legion Post 34, VFW #1177 and the Department of Veteran Services.
Community and elected leaders in attendance included: Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk; Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd; Rev. Chad T. Martin from St James’ Episcopal Church; Virginia State Delegates Atoosa Reaser, David Reid and Kannan Srinivasan; U.S. Representative-elect Suhas Subramanyam; Leesburg Town Council Members Neil Steinberg and Zach Cummings; and representatives from Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall’s office.
We are deeply grateful to our 2024 Veterans Day Sponsors: Monoc, LMI, EIT 2.0, Shirley Pearson, 155 Strategies, Bank of Clarke, Fortinet Federal, McCandlish Lillard, Presidential Bank, AUSA – George Washington Chapter and the Loudoun County Public Library. Thanks to their generous support, we are able to make this special event free and open to the public. We add a big thank you to Cartwheels for providing free round-trip shuttle service between the parking garage and Dodona Manor.
Check out media coverage of our 20th annual Veterans Day event!
