Photo By Tristan Pavlik | Navy Capt. Christopher Kovack gives keynote speech aboard the USS Olympia.... read more read more
On the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, a group of veterans, family members and distinguished visitors gathered for a Veterans Day ceremony on the bow of a ship, which herself had seen battle in the war to end all wars, 11 Nov.
The USS Olympia, at 127 years old, currently floats proudly on the Delaware River. A physical representation of the resilience of the Navy, a relic from the turn of the 20th century that is as indomitable as the warriors who gathered to remember those with whom they served—and especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
As the city’s oldest veteran, it is befitting the USS Olympia and her special guests were honored by Sailors from NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support. The USS Olympia has a unique and deeply important history in the Navy. Her final mission was to bring home the first American Unknown Solider to be entombed in the Tomb of the Unknowns in 1921.
On the bow of the ship, Capt. Christopher Kovack, director of contracts, NAVSUP WSS, honored not only the legacy of the Olympia as a veteran, but also all veterans and their families who too sacrificed for our nation.
Kovack spoke about ways citizens can actively honor veterans and how we can teach the future generations about the sacrifices veterans made and the importance of patriotism.
“The true strength of our military is the fighting spirit and skill of our service members-- the men and women who have worn and now wear the uniform of our nation's military,” Kovack said.
The ceremony opened with a rendition of the national anthem by Jilian Pirtle of the National Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum. Pirtle was followed by Reverend William Rex of the Seamen's Church Institute of Philadelphia, who delivered a thoughtful yet earnest invocation and benediction.
Reverend Rex, a Coast Guard veteran, spoke about his family’s legacy in the military and in his benediction asked veterans be watched over and the history of veterans be remembered.
Retired Navy Capt. Louis Cavaliere, gave opening remarks and spoke of his time in the Navy. He also spoke about the importance of unity and the mission and history of the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Cavaliere said, “At the Chapel of Four Chaplains it is Veterans Day every day.”
He emphasized the foundation’s mission, which is to encourage selfless service and interfaith cooperation. “Our goal is to always be open to those who need assistance and be there for any veteran who is to walk through our door,” Cavaliere continued.
Veterans Day is a day of celebration and this ceremony lauded the long legacy of the USS Olympia along with honoring the service of its crew and all veterans who have served the U.S. military.
While sacrifice, remembrance and unity were the main themes of the ceremony, Kovack reminded everyone of the sacrifices families make when their loved one wears the cloth of this nation. Families know all too well, missed birthdays, holidays and anniversaries--days many of us take for granted. “Veterans Day is not only about celebrating our veterans but also about their families who support them,” said Kovack.
After the benediction by the Reverend Rex, the crowd stood to observe a moment of silence, honoring all the veterans and the decision they made to serve this great nation.
The ceremony concluded with Taps being played by Chester Ruminski, of Bugles Across America. And, at 11 a.m., on the 11th day of the 11th month, a 21 gun salute -rang out across the Delaware River—thus marking the solemn occasion.
Ceremonies such as this continue to remind us of the freedoms we enjoy and the people who make it possible. The volley of gun fine is a reminder,--we will never forget.
A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP WSS is the U.S. Navy’s supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. As the Navy’s single Program Support Inventory Control Point (PSICP), NAVSUP WSS specializes in integrated logistics support planning, forecasting, requisition processing, provisioning, allowance development, configuration and repairables management and more.
There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites, and one site in Norfolk, Va. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines and the Norfolk site provides cost analysis and transportation/distribution services.
For more news and information about NAVSUP WSS, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/navsupwss
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2019 10:34 |
| Story ID: | 352520 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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