Photo by Pfc.Justin W. Wiemers Karl MacDonald, (left) Director, Quantico National Cemetery and Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Olmstead flank the wreath they are presenting in honor of all the veterans past and present.

This year marks 90 years many countries have celebrated Veterans Day or what used to be called Armistice Day, which symbolized the end of World War I. In 1953, a shoe store owner in Kansas named Al King petitioned to change it to Veterans Day in honor of all Veterans, and in 1954, the 34th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, made it a national holiday.

‘‘We gather here today for Veterans Day, to honor all the men and women that have served and still are serving our country and those who gave their lives for our country,” said Wayne Dearie, chairman, Potomac Region Veterans Council.

Following the Presidents’ Own Marine Band and honor guard, different veterans’ organizations presented their own unit flags. Soon after colors, Tom Karlson, vice chairman, Potomac Region Veterans Council, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Retired Marine Col. Frank W. Harris, gave the toast to the flag where he recited a poem explaining to all of those present what each color stands for and why they come together on our national ensign.

Colonel Charles A. Dallachie, base commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico, rose to the podium and gave the opening remarks. Dallachie told of a letter he received, which demonstrated how Marines have passed traditions on to the next generation. The gentleman who wrote the letter praised a young lance corporal who was on leave in New York.

The lance corporal was in the middle of his work out, when the National Anthem played on the radio. He stopped what he was doing, came to attention and after the anthem was complete he finished his work out. The man went up to the lance corporal and asked him if he was in the service.

He said, ‘‘Yes sir, I am in the Marine Corps.” The man said, from that day on, the whole gym stops and recognizes the flag as the National Anthem plays.

Keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Olmstead, retired, explained what Veterans Day is, what it means and where it came from.

‘‘The number of troops that have given their lives, gave their lives so others could enjoy the freedom of the greatest country on earth,” Olmstead said.

Although not there to attend the ceremony, many came to visit and honor their loved ones who gave their lives for our country and what it stands for.

Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Quantico National Cemetery lays a wreath for service members that have served past and present and for the fallen service members.

‘‘We honor the veterans today for their service and dedication with the laying of the wreath,” said Dearie.

After the wreath laying, military honors were given with a seven man firing detail. Everyone stood, some saluted, and some came to attention as the Presidents’ Own played each armed force’s service song. The benediction and retiring of colors concluded the ceremony.

‘‘There are those American veterans, American warriors that carry on their shoulders a burden of protecting America and we all owe them a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to fully repay,” Dallachie said.