Sailors and veterans gathered together at Naval Station Everett’s Grand Vista Ballroom, Nov. 9, to celebrate Veterans Day. NAVSTA Everett Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Gregory Hixson served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

“Memorial Day is the day we honor our dead, but today is the day where we really honor our living veterans,” said Capt. Thomas L. Mascolo, Naval Station Everett commanding officer. “In 1918 the Great War was raging across the globe but on the 11th of November that war ended. That evolution from a spontaneous celebration back in 1918 to a national holiday should not count as a surprise to any Americans. We must never ever forget those who are willing to serve, and never forgetting means ensuring those here among us can live with dignity and with work and to remain an integral part of our community.”

The featured speaker at the event was the Jenelle sgrignoli, Snohomish County director of human services, who spoke of the many services currently available to veterans, as well as some of the shortcomings of the Veterans Administration in Snohomish County.

“I am honored to be here today, truer words have not been spoken,” said Srgrignoli. “We must never forget those who are willing to serve.”

Booths staffed by members of the Vet. Center of Everett, as well as the Washington Veterans Affairs office provided information to Sailors on health care benefits as well as other social services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Veteran’s Day makes me feel honored, proud of my service as well as those who served before” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Danielle Atwood. “It was a good presentation. I definitely learned something here today.

Other Sailors echoed Atwood’s thoughts.

“Veterans Day makes me feel proud” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Lucas Weaver. “I appreciate the remembrance ceremony.”