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Manassas Park Honors Veterans with Flag Raising Ceremony

On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony in front of City Hall, recognizing the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event began with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10 Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion. Interim City Manager Keith Nguyen welcomed attendees. Alisha Morka then sang the national anthem as voices united in celebrating the freedoms that veterans fought to protect. A significant moment of the ceremony was when Commissioner Charles Ziegler, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, took the stage. Ziegler, a retired Marine veteran with 31 years of service, spoke powerfully about the sacrifices of veterans and the enduring symbolism of the American flag. “The American flag has been our nation’s symbol of unity and a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens,” he noted. “Every Pledge of Allegiance we take and every raising of the flag we witness is a celebration and honors the deeper meaning of how we live our lives and what we believe in.” As he reflected on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasized Ziegler explained the importance of patriotism and unity in today's world and drew a parallel to historical efforts to instill loyalty and respect for the nation. “With all the distractions we have today, how many of us think about patriotism?” he asked the crowd. “The raising of our flag and our Pledge of Allegiance embody patriotism, sacrifice, dedication, security and loyalty.” The Honor Guard officially raised the veterans flag, followed by remarks from Northern Virginia Veterans Association board member Constantine Ferssizidis and Josh Himan, a combat-injured Marine and Hylton High School graduates. Himan shared his personal story, highlighting his journey from civilian life to the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan, where he suffered serious injuries. He praised the support of Semper Fi & America's Fund for helping him and his family recover. “They were always with me from the beginning,” he said. “I am proud to say that Semper Fi has grown to serve all industries and support over 33,000 veterans across the country.” Councilmember Laura Hampton offered a local perspective, sharing stories from Manassas area veterans and underscoring their important role in the community. “Veterans are the lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant community,” Hampton said, adding, “The best way to honor veterans’ service is to speak their names, share their stories and remember their contributions to our country.” remember.” She recounted meeting local veterans, including Harry Humphrey, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 293rd Engineer Battalion Transportation Company. She called it an honor to witness and share her legacy. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Nguyen, who expressed his deep gratitude to all veterans in attendance across the country. “As we gather here today, may we continue to honor and support those who have served and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are thanks to their sacrifices,” he said. The Veterans Flag Raising Ceremony at Manassas Park is a powerful reminder to the City of its commitment to honor its veterans and recognize their contributions to national security and their integral role in the community. In Manassas Park and Prince William County, veterans make up a significant portion of the population. They strengthen local businesses, enrich community values, and shape future generations with their resilience and service.

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