The Colors of the Nation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Alicia Wallace
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
About 400 people showed up Nov. 11 to honor veterans and show their gratitude to those who served in uniform at the 30th annual Veterans Day Massing of the Colors at the George Schlatter Veterans Memorial Amphitheater on Brevard Community College's Cocoa campus.

Among those in attendance were Dr. James Richie, BCC President, Coast Guard Rear Adm. (Ret) James Underwood, Rear Adm. William D. Baumgartner, Commander 7th Coast Guard District; Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander, 45th Space Wing, Dr. Maxwell King former president of BCC, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Charles Perry, commander, Cape Canaveral Coast Guard Station and Capt. J. P. Heatherington, commander Naval Ordnance Test Unit.

Hundreds of Color Guards all over Brevard County came to the event to show their support of veterans new and old. The Harbor City Harmonizers sang the National Anthem as well as a compilation of each service song. When each respective service's song was played, members who were or are a part of that service would stand.

Rear Adm. Baumgartner was the guest speaker for the event, and he expressed how honored he was to be able to serve in the military.

"When I go through the airport in uniform, I can't make it very far before somebody thanks me for what I have done. My typical response inside my heart is why are you thanking me? It's an honor to do this. It's a privilege to do this. I get up to do this eager every single day."