The fall season is a particularly beautiful and joyful time in our Capital District area. We enjoy the blessing of the fall harvests while preparing for the season's many holidays. It is also the time to honor and personally thank the many area veterans of our military branches for their service to our nation and the world.

The Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, Maryland, and the American Legion Fitzgerald Cantrell Post 105 in Bethesda - Chevy Chase held their 48th Annual Veteran's Day Observance at the Bethesda Veteran's Park. The event is well organized by Bethesda Kiwanis Past President Richard Ruprecht and the Master of Ceremonies of many years is Immediate Past Governor and American Legion member Bob Cressy.

The program included an invocation by Kiwanian Reverend Doctor William Hague, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church Parish, Kensington, (a Navy veteran), followed by the Presentation of the Colors by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, Cardinal O'Boyle Assembly, and many local political and civic leaders attended. Nineteen organizations presented wreaths of tribute in a solemn ceremony to those who have served including two American Legion posts and the Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce. Several Daughters of the American Revolution chapters, three area Rotary Clubs, the Bethesda Kiwanis Club by President Liz Quinn and The Retired Officer's Association of America made tributes.

The program speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Kennedy, active duty United States Army, Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve. He has served in the artillery branch in middle east and then in the Civil Affairs branch in Iraq. U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (8th Congressional District D-MD) offered his remarks and thanks.

Patriotic music was provided before and after the ceremony by the Bethesda Chevy Chase High School Brass Quintet. TAPS was played after the wreath presentations followed by the full staffing of our flag by the American Legion.

Some people ask what the difference is between Memorial Day in May and Veteran's Day on November 11th. One of the best answers I have heard is short and to the point. Memorial Day is when we remember those men and women who have lost their lives in their service or have passed on after defending our liberties. Veteran's Day is a day not only to remember those who have died, but to personally thank all those veterans who are still living, serving actively or who have served in peacetime and war. Many Kiwanis and other service clubs participated in celebrations that day. It's always a good time of year to thank a veteran. Thank YOU for your service!