09/20/2024
"I am forever grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to participate in such an outstanding event! The 2024 Salute to American Veterans rally is one of the most inspiring events I've seen in over 30 years. It was such an inspirational moment to help recognize and honor some remarkable Marines. Having the chance to help reveal the new plaque in honor of Jay Cimino, US Marine Corps Veteran, and our community's most influential philanthropist, entrepreneur and supporter of Veterans was something I will cherish for a lifetime. If that was not special enough, I was then given the unique honor of sharing the stage with US Marine Corps Colonel Kelly Fushour, PAO for US NORAD/NORTHCOM to celebrate the service of two US Marine Corps Vietnam combat veterans who fought in the 1968 battle of Hue City.
In my eyes, all of the local citizens, community leaders, community partners and veterans who were there to honor these three heroes made this day one of the best moments of my military experience. The emotions were real, the support was real and the veterans were real.
After 27 years of combined active duty and reserve duty in the Marine Corps, this event further cemented the notion that I, as a Marine Corps Veteran, am and shall never be a hero, but I served amongst heroes! Thank you to Jim Wear and his entire team of volunteers and sponsors who have consistently and selflessly executed this amazing event for over 30+ years.
After attending this exceptional event, I felt more inspired and more grateful for those who have worn the uniform of our Nation and I confirmed my commitment to honoring our Nation's heroes.โ
Semper Fidelis,
Colonel (Retired) Mark Shuster, USMC.