Adm. Papp, Secretary Napolitano honor Coast Guard veterans

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Salute to veterans

Master Chief Petty Officer Michael P. Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, render honors at the Coast Guard Veterans Day Day Memorial ceremony at the Coast Guard World War I Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Victoria Bonk.

In a Coast Guard Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony held today, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was joined by Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Michael P. Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in honoring veterans and their service at Arlington National Cemetery.

“Today is a time to recognize that we are stronger as a country not only because of what they have given, but also because of what they continue to give,” said Napolitano. “Nowhere is this more true than the Department of Homeland Security.”

Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, speaks at the Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony Coast Guard photo by PA3 Victoria Bonk.

The ceremony honored the sacrifices made by Coast Guard service members, veterans and their families during a wreath laying ceremony and brief remarks at the Coast Guard World War I Memorial, which includes the names of Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives during World War I.

“On this veterans day when we honor all of those who have worn the uniform of our country, we honor our profession by recognizing all of us who have served past and present,” said Papp. “We are privileged to be members of a very unique service and for this reason whenever I have been asked about what we are, or what we do, I always reply with pride ‘We are Coast Guardsmen. We are the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.’ So to all veterans I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service past and present.”

Rendering Honors

Master Chief Petty Officer Michael P. Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, render honors shortly after placing the memorial wreath. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Victoria Bonk.

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  • Cindy

    Today I honor my fiancee Master Chief Paul Andrieu who passed July 26th from pancreatic cancer. He was supposed to retire from command July 22 after serving 30 years. I love you and miss you every day!

  • Coast Guard Veteran

    On this Veterans Day let not forget the many veterans that have suffered in silence and alone. Sometimes the biggest battles are with those with whom you will risk all that you have to protect. Today I honor all Coast Guard veterans that experienced a sexual assault or rape while serving in the United States Coast Guard.

    -a Coast Guard veteran and rape survivor

  • Richard Doggett

    Every veteran’s Day, and often at other times, I reflect on the contributions Coast Guardsmen have made to combat campaigns down through the nation’s history, such as Signalman 1st Class Douglas A. Munroe, who operated a landing craft on Guadalcanal, and died while evacuating Marines under intense enemy fire, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism that day. The Coast Guard is “Always There” as well as “Always Ready.”

  • Stuart Campbell

    I am one a very few ex-Coast Guardsmen in the Mpls/St. Paul area I’ve run across in the past 30 years. At work today, the small handful of us Vets all shook hands, then went about our work for the day. Even to this day, I adhere to the ‘Always There…Always Ready’ mindset at work.
    I miss my days in the Coast Guard…and my former command (COTP-NY…1974-76)

  • Tom Chaney

    I met some outstanding and unforgettable characters while serving in theCG. Hello Scot McConnell, Doak Walker, and all others at group Hampton Roads. I will always remember those days.

  • Karl Sargent

    What an honor to be associated with the U.S. Coast Guard. It is truly a one of a kind service that does so much more for this country both in times of war and peace than most Americans will ever know. Our Dad, Vice Admiral Thomas R. Sargent III, Vice Commandant 1971-1974, was interred across the road from the Coast Guard Memorial a week ago today. We are very proud and pleased that he was there to see this ceremony. Semper Paratus!

  • jessica

    God bless all our Veterans and Guardians. Today we honor and remember all we have and all whom we’ve lost. May God guard you all as you do us. Thank you.

  • Coop

    I attended this Memorial Service in Arlington National Cemetery. It was very nice to see our Secretary stay around afterwards to learn more about the Coast Guard WWI Memorial from the Commandant, instead of being whisked away immediately afterwards. In my opinion, she showed alot of respect for the Veterans, and in-turn earned mine.

  • QM3 Spanky Lee

    As I reflect on my nine years as a plank owner on three cutters and a tour at the ATON Office at HQ (with then CDR Papp!), I revel in the fact that I served with the best that our nation has to offer. From Cape May until present, my life has been made better because of every lesson learned while I served. From one veteran – thank you to all that serve our nation.