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MOUNTAIN HOME – James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) held a Veterans Day and U.S. Marine Corps birthday cake cutting ceremony Nov. 9, here, to honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.

The ceremony included speaking engagements by JHQVAMC Director Dean B. Borsos and keynote speaker U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ann Larson (Ret.).

A color guard from Daniel Boone High School U.S. Marine Corps JROTC presented the colors during the opening ceremony and Tiffany Hartman, a nurse here, sang the National Anthem.

Many Veterans and employees attended the ceremony, paying tribute to Veterans past and present.

“This day is all about you, what you have done for our nation, and how well you did it,” said Director Borsos, to Veterans in attendance. “Our nation’s Veterans – men and women who have worn our country’s uniforms – fought and served to make our freedoms and way of life possible. For that, our nation has an obligation to prepare and equip the troops sent into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home. That’s our primary mission at the VA.”

Larson, who has spent more than 700 hours volunteering at JHQVAMC since retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps, expressed her gratitude to fellow Veterans and highlighted those who continue serving long after active duty military.

“I am honored to be here this morning to recognize your service to our country,” said Larson. “I share the pride you feel in having served this great country in the greatest military in the world.”

Marines with I Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, concluded the ceremony with a cake cutting in recognition of the U.S. Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10, 1775.

Photo Named Veterans_Day_Program_&_Marine_Corp_Birthday_020

Photo Contributed/Cliff Payne, public affairs specialist, JHQVAMC
MOUNTAIN HOME, Tenn.) —James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) Director Dean B. Borsos and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ann Larson (Ret.), salute the American Flag during a Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 9, 2023, here. Director Borsos and Lt. Col. Larson spoke during the ceremony to honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.

Photo Named Veterans_Day_Program_&_Marine_Corp_Birthday_056

Photo Contributed/Cliff Payne, public affairs specialist, JHQVAMC
MOUNTAIN HOME, Tenn.) —U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ann Larson (Ret.), speaks during a Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 9, 2023, here. The ceremony honored all those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.