Middleburg, VA — On November 11, 2024, Middleburg American Legion Post 295, in collaboration with the Royal British Legion DC Chapter, held a profound and unifying Veterans Day and Armistice Day ceremony, honoring the service and sacrifice of Veterans from the United States and Great Britain. The event featured an emotional sequence of events, including tributes from the St. Andrew’s Color Guard, national anthems, heartfelt readings, and addresses that captured the spirit of remembrance.
The ceremony began with a trooping of the colors by St. Andrew’s Color Guard, followed by national anthems sung by Ms. Lori Daly. In his invocation, Trinity Episcopal Chaplain Ben Baker invoked reflection and gratitude for those who have served. The ceremonial laying of wreaths, led by representatives from the American Legion, Royal British Legion, Allied Veterans’ Heritage Foundation, and other community organizations, honored the fallen, the wounded, and those still missing in action. The reverent mood was further enriched by Ms. Siobhan Williams’s moving performance of “Flowers of the Forest” on the bagpipes, adding a touch of tradition.
The day’s keynote speaker, USAF Lieutenant General (Retired) John Fairfield, delivered a Veterans Day address, underscoring the historical Anglo-American alliance. He invoked the words of Lt. Col. John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields and Moina Michael’s We Shall Keep the Faith, emphasizing the bonds between the U.S. and U.K. forged in war and carried forward through collaboration. General Fairfield’s speech paid homage to the enduring sacrifices of soldiers and celebrated the significance of remembrance across generations.
The event concluded with a march past featuring the American Legion, Royal British Legion, Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton, members of the Town Council, and local first responders. The powerful readings, ceremonial tributes, and displays of unity throughout the ceremony reflected a shared commitment to honor the legacy of all who have served and a reminder to future generations of the value of sacrifice and service.
About American Legion Post 295: Founded in 1946, Middleburg American Legion Post 295 continues to serve Veterans and the community, fostering camaraderie and remembrance while supporting the Middleburg area through various programs and partnerships.
About the Royal British Legion DC Chapter: The Royal British Legion DC Chapter represents a historic and inaugural collaboration between British and American military Veterans, marking the first-ever Royal British Legion branch established in the United States. This chapter will establish its own headquarters on land directly behind the Middleburg American Legion. Between the two facilities, an Anglo-American Military Memorial will be constructed to honor the sacrifices and shared history of allied forces.