Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
While Memorial Day has come to be known as the unofficial start of summer, it is important for all of us to remember the true meaning of the day. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor all the men and women who have lost their lives in service to our country, as well as the families they left behind.
We invite you to join us in reflecting on their sacrifice with our annual Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. (ET) on the National Veterans Memorial and Museum rooftop. The keynote message will be provided by General Michael Garrett, U.S. Army (Retired) who spent 37 years commanding units in combat operations. He will share the importance of remembering our fallen service members.
Gen. Michael Garrett completed Army ROTC at Xavier University where he earned a Bachelors of Science in criminal justice. He commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1984.
37 years later, he served as the Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command.
Garrett has commanded at every level from Company through Army Service Component Command, and led units in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his initial military training courses, including Ranger, Pathfinder, and Jumpmaster, he served his formative years in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 82nd Airborne Division, where he commanded 3rd Battalion 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light), which he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Garrett’s assignments include Chief of Staff of U.S. Central Command, Commanding General of United States Army Alaska and multiple joint and operational tours, staff assignments at numerous levels as well as several commands.
Garrett has many awards such as a Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion Of Merit Medal among several others.
