As the nation pauses to remember those who have served in the armed forces, Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) were part of a Veterans Day ceremony at Victory Arch in Newport News, Virginia, Nov 11.

The ceremony, hosted by The American Legion Post #25, included keynote speaker Capt. Ron Ravelo, Lincoln's commanding officer, who addressed the crowd of veterans and members of the Newport News community. Among the distinguished attendees were State Senator John Miller, delegates and members of the Newport News City Council, Newport News Mayor McKinley Price and Police Chief Richard W. Meyers. Cadets from the USAF JROTC from Menchville High School provided the color guard and laid wreaths during the ceremony, and the Braxton-Perkins Post 25 Brass Ensemble provided the musical accompaniment.

"Today's U.S. military is perhaps the most sophisticated and technologically advanced in our nation's history. But we're the best in the world because of strength and inspiration of those who've gone before us," Ravelo said.

In his remarks Ravelo noted the historical significance of Victory Arch, the location of this morning's ceremony, a well-known monument near City Hall in Newport News. The original arch was erected near the banks of the James River in 1919 to welcome troops returning from WWI, and the arch as it stands today was constructed to serve as a memorial to the men and women of the armed forces from the Virginia peninsula who served our country.

Ravelo went on to acknowledge the significance of Newport News Shipbuilding, a "crown jewel" of our nation.

"The Sailors and shipbuilders you see in Newport News represent the enduring partnership between the U.S. Navy and this great community," Ravelo said. "There is presently no other shipyard on this planet that can do what these folks do daily."

There are currently four aircraft carriers in the Newport News Shipyard going through very unique periods of their life cycle. The USS Enterprise (CVN 65), America's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is undergoing her inactivation after more than 50 years of service to this country. The Lincoln is more than halfway through her Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), a mid-life availability that will ready her for the next 25 years of service. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is in her final stages of construction and testing and construction is just beginning on the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

In attendance was State Senator John Miller, delegates and members of the Newport News City Council, Newport News Mayor McKinley Price and Police Chief Richard W. Meyers.

"Ceremonies like this are important because they allow us to reflect on those who have served our country at home and abroad sacrificing to preserve our way of life. As Thomas Jefferson said, 'The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,'" Ravelo concluded. "Veterans, you represent this eternal vigilance. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice."

Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News.

Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class ship to undergo RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet, and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit http://www.navy.mil/.