STUTTGART, Germany, Nov 12, 2009 — The Stuttgart military community gathered to honour U.S. service men and women, past and present, during a Veterans Day ceremony November 11, 2009 at Patch Barracks' Washington Field.

Sponsored by the American Legion Stuttgart Post 6, the ceremony started with the posting of the colours by the 8th Battalion's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and a prayer of thanks by Chaplain (Colonel) Randall Dolinger, U.S. Army Stuttgart garrison chaplain.

General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), who served as the event's guest speaker, began by wishing all veterans a happy Veterans Day and thanking others in attendance for their support.

"Nov. 11, known to Americans as Veterans Day, is a day to celebrate the achievements and heroism of our American veterans," said Ward. "It is also significant on a global scale because on this day in 1918 a cease fire agreement was signed, marking the end the war to end all wars - World War I. As with all Veterans Days since the remembrance inception as Armistice Day in 1919, we pause to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have served our nation in uniform.

America's veterans enabled the freedoms enjoyed today. Likewise, today's military is paving the way for lasting change in other parts of the world, he said.

"Today we exemplify this at U.S. Africa Command where we strive to promote stability and security alongside our African partners," Ward said. "We provide programs designed to build lasting institutions for peace and prosperity. Our purpose for doing this is the prevention of conflict so that our friends and allies on the continent of Africa and its island nations can break the cycle of violence and instability that inhibits the development and threatens the life of innocent people. We hope to foster for Africans the same piece of stability that so many of us helped to secure here on the continent of Europe. This is hard work requiring dedication, valour, selfless service, such that as demonstrated by our veterans here today and others throughout our history."

Three wreaths were placed on display by the American Legion Stuttgart Post 6, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10810 and Stuttgart Clan Motorcycle Enthusiasts to honour and remember the sacrifice and dedication of America's veterans.

"With the wreath that we lay here today, let us remember and give our honour to the sacrifice of our veterans for the deeds they've performed and the good that has come from it," said Ward. "For us, for our partners and for the world, they have bore the burden. They have paid the price. It is to these men and women that the freedom that we honour and enjoy today is possible. We give thanks to them for that selfless service. As was pointed out, the sacrifices are many; the burden has been heavy; the price has been high. Their work is honoured. We salute you veterans. We thank you for your service."

American Legion Stuttgart Post 6 member and the event's organizer and MC, Lynda S.R. Wade, also noted the hard work of servicemembers and offered the post's appreciation.

"[Veterans] are ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things," said Wade. "Simply put, that's who veterans are. From the members of American Legion Stuttgart Post 6, we salute you."

Taps, played by Nicholas Pierson, Boy Scouts Venturing Crew, on the bagpipes, echoed the honour and appreciation of the community to its veterans as the ceremony concluded.