Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) sponsored a Veterans Day ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5, to celebrate the contributions of the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.

Deputy Commander for Ships and Submarines, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Capt. James Lowther gave opening remarks at the ceremony.

"When we celebrate Veterans Day, we celebrate the veteran who says, 'send me,'" the captain said. "We also celebrate the family and support system behind him or her; and that is you."

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brown, a veteran of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom, was the ceremony's guest speaker.

"We celebrate this day to honor veterans, for without them we would not be free," said Brown. "We remember those who are part of history, and those who serve now. Our service members are service members for life."

He added that over the years, the uniforms may have changed, but service members' resolve and determination have not.

During the ceremony a "battlefield cross" was set up by the Honor Guard from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, American Legion Post 223. The battlefield cross began as a marker for a Solider killed on the battlefield, and an immediate means of showing respect among the still living members of a troop. It is used less today as a means to identify the dead, and more among those still living as a means to mourn during private ceremonies, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in the fight.

The Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Brass Quintet provided music for the ceremony, including the Five Branch Military Medley, a selection which recognizes all branches of our armed forces. During the selection, veterans and current active duty stood during their particular force's portion of the song, as a tribute their service to our country.

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges and movement of household goods.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.