PSNS & IMF conducts special flag-folding ceremony in observance of Veterans Day

PSNS & IMF conducts special flag-folding ceremony in observance of Veterans Day

By Ben Hutto, PSNS & IMF Public Affairs

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility senior leadership and workforce members participated in a special Veterans Day observance Nov. 7, during ceremony on the roof of Building 850.

The event, hosted by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, featured a U.S. flag-folding ceremony at the flagpole located near the State Street shipyard entrance.

"As a nation-today and every day-we have a sacred obligation to take care of our veterans and their families," said Capt. JD Crinklaw, commander, PSNS & IMF. "I will never take that duty lightly, because your service has helped shape the character of this nation."

During the ceremony, a special honor guard comprised of PSNS & IMF veterans marched in formation before replacing the U.S. flag.

"I think it is important to continue the traditions that honor our veterans and, specifically, the veteran workforce that works here," said Nick Grimm, communications manager, Command University. "It is a nice reminder of why we continue to serve after we leave the service."

Approximately 25 percent of the command workforce is comprised of former service members who have continued to serve their country by working at the shipyard after leaving the military.

"Every veteran in this command is deeply valued and appreciated," Crinklaw said. "I consider it our duty as your teammates and leaders to ensure you are also supported and heard."

Since Congress first established the holiday in the late 1960s, Veterans Day has served as a way to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The holiday was originally called Armistice Day and was celebrated each year on Nov. 11, in recognition of the end of World War I and the service members who fought and served in that conflict. Congress later expanded the observance to include all veterans.