Senior living community, with dozens of retired GIs, celebrates Veterans Day

FAIRFAX, Va. (7News) — As we continue to honor Veterans throughout November, we wanted to tell you about a senior living community in the DMV filled with retired members of the military.

Dozens of retired GIs celebrated Veterans Day outside The Virginian in Fairfax County for a flag-raising ceremony followed by a lunch inside.

“And on the special day, Veterans Day, we come to honor those who willingly went in harms way," announced Retired Major General Randall West.

Major General West, who served as master of ceremonies for this event, welcomed 38 residents and a few staff members who answered their country’s call.

“And together they make up over 412 years of service to our nation and the cause of freedom." said General West.

Rituals matter in the military. Instilling the discipline necessary to defend the nation. But in these men, something far more powerful resides. A sense of duty, of selflessness, not to themselves but to a way of life.

“It’s a time to remember your days in the service," said retired Air Force Major Bob Stuart.

Stuart saved lives in Vietnam as a search and rescue pilot.

“We could be sound asleep, and the crash phone could go off and we could be airborne in two minutes and if the plane crashed, we would go upwind of the crash and blow cool air into the flames while the firefighters would try to get anybody out that was still alive," Stuart added.

The valor necessary to win the fight isn’t dwelled upon when you’re in a room of heroes. Now, it’s about the simple things: breaking bread with and appreciating, those who don the uniform.

“The Navy was a great experience for me. It changed my life. Put me on the right track. Gave me a lot of good values and I would do it all again in a heartbeat," said Retired Navy Lt. Keith Knoblock.

“And God help us that we will always have such young men and women that will be ready to answer the call to serve," concluded General West.