Photography by Rebecca Cunningham, Rebecca Cunningham Photography. Used with permission. See gallery below.
Stafford, VA – The Stafford County Armed Forces Memorial Dedication took place this past weekend on Saturday, July 15, at the Stafford Government Center. Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including the recognized 28 World War II Stafford veterans and their families. Local organizations Blue Star Mothers of America, Fredericksburg VA 4 and Team Red, White and Blue Fredericksburg also attended.
The memorial dedication honored all the men and women of Stafford County who have honorably served in the military – from the Revolutionary War to this day.
The ceremony began with a musical prelude by the Quantico Marine Corps Band, welcoming remarks from Stafford Supervisor and Air Force veteran, Gary Snellings and the invocation offered by Stafford County Sherriff’s Chaplain Ron Thayer. Traditional ceremonial performances included a performance of the national anthem and the retirement of colors. Dedicated remarks were given by Marine Corps Commandment, General Robert B. Neller and Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, John C. Harvey. Following was a musical interlude from Blue Star Mothers Chorus of Fredericksburg Chapter VA 4 and the cutting of the dedication ribbon.
Live footage from the event can be found on Stafford County Government’s facebook page.