U.S. Marines conducted a wreath laying ceremony to honor Sgt. Maj. Henry Black, the 7th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, at the National Memorial Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia, Nov. 10.

“This ceremony was important because Marines like Sgt. Maj. Black paved the way for us today," said Sgt. Maj. Michael Brown, the sergeant major of MCBQ. "So, it’s only right that we honor and remember him and not let his image be forgotten."

The wreath laying ceremony is a military tradition held annually since 1954 to honor U.S. veterans.

“Had I not had the opportunity to take part in this ceremony, I would have never researched what he did and the impact he had during his time in the Marine Corps," Brown said.

Black served from 1948 to 1977, during which time he earned the Silver and Bronze Star Medal, and the Legion of Merit Medal for his time in the Korean and Vietnam War. In one instance during the Korean War as a corporal, he selflessly supported his company's position by traveling on foot to his company’s ammunition dump that had been overrun by enemy combatants to retrieve ammunition will under fire by small arms, machine gun and mortar fire.

"It’s important to understand, because it helps Marines reflect on the decisions and sacrifices people like Sgt. Maj. Black had to make,” said Brown.

This wreath laying ceremony is held on the Marine Corps’ birthday to add significance of those Marines who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of this country. The Marine Corps’ birthday is an honored celebration carried on for the past 249 years, signifying the passing of traditions from generation to generation.