Ceremony honors veterans in Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - People from all around Hampton Roads honored America's veterans Wednesday.

In Chesapeake, the wind and rain didn't stop the annual Veteran’s Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, although it did move it indoors.

The remembrance served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.

Veterans and their loved ones turned out for the day's ceremony moved indoors to the Chesapeake City Council

chambers. For many, it was a time to remember, personal memories for Carl Dozier, a retired Army officer who's son was a recent war casualty.

"Well, I lost my son," Ltc. (US Army Retired) Carl Dozier told WAVY News 10. "He was killed in Iraq 22 months ago and our VFW Post, prior to me becoming president, renamed the post Staff Sergeant Jonathan Dozier Memorial Post.

Presentations of memorial plaques were part of the program in Chesapeake, as well as presentations of four wreaths, remembering the nation is at war this veterans day.

"Honoring the people that are serving for us over there, giving up the hours with their families that are left home. Babies born without their fathers. It means a lot," Retired Navy Reservist Betty Mace said.

In his speech at the event, Brigadier General Sanford Holman, Vice Commander of the Joint Warfighting Center in Suffolk, stressed the importance of the military members sacrifice but stressed its support from family that makes a

difference.

"It certainly hits home when I think about my daughter who's a veteran and having your husband and your father in Iraq at the same time and how she persevered and kept everything together," said Holman.

Holman says his daughter still had time to send care packages and e-mails as the war waged on.

All branches of the military were represented by veterans at Wednesday's ceremony.