Adm. Papp, Secretary Napolitano honor Coast Guard veterans

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

In a Coast Guard Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony held today, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was joined by Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Michael P. Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in honoring veterans and their service at Arlington National Cemetery.

“Today is a time to recognize that we are stronger as a country not only because of what they have given, but also because of what they continue to give,” said Napolitano. “Nowhere is this more true than the Department of Homeland Security.”

The ceremony honored the sacrifices made by Coast Guard service members, veterans and their families during a wreath laying ceremony and brief remarks at the Coast Guard World War I Memorial, which includes the names of Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives during World War I.

“On this veterans day when we honor all of those who have worn the uniform of our country, we honor our profession by recognizing all of us who have served past and present,” said Papp. “We are privileged to be members of a very unique service and for this reason whenever I have been asked about what we are, or what we do, I always reply with pride ‘We are Coast Guardsmen. We are the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.’ So to all veterans I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service past and present.”