By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Riley, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West NW Det.
GARDINER, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors, veterans and family members gathered for a ceremony to honor the only Navy Seabee to ever receive the Medal of Honor at a Veterans Day ceremony at Gardiner Community Cemetery in Gardiner, Wash. Nov. 11.
The ceremony honored Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin G. Shields who was attached to a Navy Seabee unit constructing an airstrip. He was killed in action in June 1965 in Dong Xaoi, Vietnam.
This year marks the 45th anniversary for the annual memorial service, which is coordinated by the Navy Seabee Veterans of America (NSVA).
"I am speechless by the number of people that would come out to do this," said Joan Shields-Bennett, surviving wife of Shields. "I am so proud of everybody. I am honored. I know that Marvin is honored, and I hope that we can keep doing this."
During the ceremony, veterans presented Shields' grave with a flower arrangement.
"The ceremony was very moving," said Devin Shermin, a resident in attendance. "It's refreshing to see that our heroes aren't forgotten."
Shields-Bennett said she was grateful to the Seabee community and stressed the importance of honoring service members.
"It isn't just he that should be honored today, but it is all the people who wear the uniform and wore the uniform. It's Veterans Day."
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