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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Seventy years have passed since the end of
the Second World War, but the gleam in their eyes indicates that the
memory resonates in those who spent much of their youth fighting our
country's battles. The veterans' sacrifices and unyielding
commitment to our nation, despite an age difference, is a common
ground with modern warriors.
Marines and sailors with 2nd
Marine Division hosted World War II Remembrance Day aboard Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina on May 7, 2015.
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World War II veterans are honored by
Marines and Sailors with the 2nd Marine Division at the Paradise
Point Officer's Club during a World War II Remembrance Day ceremony
aboard Camp Lejeune, NC, May 7, 2015. Veterans were invited to Camp Lejeune to be honored and to pay tribute to the memory of those who served and are gone, but not forgotten. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)
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“Today is all about the WWII veterans. Having the
opportunity to show them how far we've come in the 60 plus
years was special for me,” said Capt. Brian Heeter, an MV-22
Osprey aircraft pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron
261.
Veterans together with Marines and sailors
watched a jump performed by members of 2nd Reconnaissance
Battalion and explored static displays of contemporary
military equipment, to include an Amphibious Assault
Vehicle, Light Armored Vehicle, and M1A1 Abrams Tank, before
exchanging experiences during lunch.
“It makes you feel unified with your comrades,” said Elden
Tetzlaff, retired Captain and WWII veteran formerly with 6th
Marine Regiment. “I can't believe how heavenly it all seemed
to me.”
The day closed with a commemorating ceremony
at Paradise Point Officer's Club, where the veterans were
welcomed with resounding applause.
“Many years have
passed since America's fighting men were called upon to
defend their country during World War Two,” read the master
of ceremonies. “Dedication, camaraderie and courage were the
central ingredients required to overcome a relentless enemy,
winning battle after battle and ultimately, the war...
gentlemen, it's because of your sacrifices that we are here
today.”
A brief chronicle of the war's events took
place, and Sgt. Maj. Brian K. Zickefoose, II Marine
Expeditionary Force sergeant major and former sergeant major
of 2nd Marine Division, addressed the assembly.
“I
have been in the Corps for 30 years this August,” Zickefoose
said. “I have seen changes in gear, equipment and training,
but one thing that never changes is our warrior mentality.
Marines and sailors run to the sound of the gun.”
Zickefoose then introduced Maj. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault,
commanding general of 2nd Marine Division. Beaudreault
expressed gratitude and said it was the veterans' dedication
and sacrifices that paved the road for today's Marines.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 2nd Marine
Division Band played music in honor of the veterans while
they enjoyed refreshments and reminisced about their
illustrious histories.
“You hope to run into one of
your buddies at these reunions.” Tetzlaff said. “Camaraderie
is what these guys like; that's what we're looking for.”
“The amount of surviving veterans from World War II is
dwindling. I was glad to have the chance to meet them and
show them how much I appreciate all that they did,” Heeter
said.
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Shawn Valosin
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
The U.S. Marines
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