Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division, Pa –
Members of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) community joined Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Simon and the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) in honoring all the men and women who have served our Nation during a hybrid Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 9, 2021.
VERG sponsor Gary Saladino kicked off the ceremony by providing a historical perspective on the origins of this solemn day of celebration.
“Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first celebrated in 1919, exactly one year after the end of hostilities in World War I—what was then known as ‘the war to end all wars,’” said Saladino. “Congress officially recognized observing Armistice Day (to honor those who served in World War I) via concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, and later made November 11 a national holiday for Armistice Day on May 13, 1938. “
He continued: “The Uniform Holiday Bill, passed in 1968, changed the federal observance of Veterans Day from November 11th to a Monday or Friday to ensure a three-day weekend for federal employees … The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed on October 25th, 1971 (a Monday). Just four years later, Congress enacted a law returning the annual observance of Veterans Day to November 11, beginning in 1978.”
“Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” Saladino said.
Throughout his keynote remarks Simon focused on the theme of this year’s Veterans Day Observance – “Honoring All Who Served.”
“As we pause today to honor our veterans, I wanted to reflect on what it means to serve. We have about 19 million U.S. veterans, representing about seven percent of the U.S. adult population,” said the Captain. “This number, along with the percentage of Americans serving on active-duty, has declined by more than 50% in the last 50 years. These veterans served in conflicts spanning Word War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. More than a third are age 70 or older.”
“Our veterans, and those currently serving, represent a diverse and wide-ranging cross section of what is best about America. As service to this country becomes less common, it is important to ensure those that have served, particularly in conflicts, are recognized for their service to the Nation and provided the critical support they need,” Simon continued, noting how the NSWCPD workforce also serves the country.
“We may not serve in a warzone, but we directly support the warfighters and their mission. We have a unique perspective which gives us a greater understanding for what our veterans have done, and what our active duty force continues to do,” he said.
Capt. Simon also paid tribute to the U.S. Marines, who were to celebrate their birthday the following day.
“Tradition has it that Samuel Nicholas held the first recruiting drive for the Marines in Tun Tavern, right here in Philadelphia, on Nov. 10, 1775 – the birth of the United States Marine Corps,” Simon said. “I had the distinct pleasure of serving with the Second Marine Expeditionary Force in the Anbar Province of Iraq, and today I wear the Marine Corps uniform in honor of all Marines, past and present, who always embody their motto, Semper Fidelis. Happy 246th, Marines!”
Following the Captain’s address, an inspiring story of service was reflected within a poem that Saladino proceeded to read -- “My Name is Old Glory” by Howard Schnauber.
Schnauber enlisted in the Marine Corps the day after the Pearl Harbor attacks and was involved in some of the most brutal fighting of WWII. As a young Veteran with four Purple Hearts, Schnauber penned a patriotic tribute, through the eyes and point-of-view of the U.S. Flag.
To honor the fallen, Simon and Saladino participated in a traditional wreath laying ceremony. Following a solemn march across the nineteenth century command building’s atrium, they laid a wreath followed by the familiar and somber notes of the National Song of Remembrance, also known as “Taps.”
In his closing remarks, Saladino encouraged everyone to reach out to the veterans in their family and across their communities, as well as to enjoy the time with families and friends this Veterans Day.
NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.