The Potomac Region Veterans Council paid tribute to the fallen during a Memorial Day Ceremony held at Quantico National Cemetery on May 27, 2013.

The day’s theme was honed by the guest speaker, Betty Moseley Brown, associate director of the Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans, who said, "For 229 years now, in defining moments of both calm and crisis, Americans in uniform have realized our most fervent hopes and vanquished our darkest and most terrible fears through their noble actions. Across this hallowed ground, among the broad lawns and white regimented stones, we find more than the traces of heroes. We feel more than a reverence for those lost.

"Here, we confront the awesome truth; here Americans lie forever still, and forever honored, because they - like their brothers and sisters in arms before them - assumed the heavy burden of supporting freedom for their countrymen and, in some cases, for the people of other nations."

Brown went on to say that they did not fail us, so we must not fail them, which is why Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is set aside to commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Correspondent: brian.kester@usmc.mil