IMG_7742.JPG=The Kennedy High School ROTC prepares for the Presentation of Colors, the singing of the National Anthem and the Invocation.
IMG_7756.JPG=The featured speaker for “An Evening Honoring the United States Armed Forces” on May 15th at Kenwood Country Club was Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN, Commander of the Military Sealift Command.  His Command is responsible for transporting by sea via sixty two ships the huge quantity of goods and supplies needed by the U.S. Armed Forces and DOD organizations throughout the world.  These supplies range from food supplies, to building materials, fuel, weapon systems and ammunition.  It’s a fascinating account of what it takes to back up our forces.
IMG_7960.JPG=The famous USN Blue Angles performed with six F-18 Hornet jets in a fantastic show of modern fighter aircraft.  Be sure and plan to attend next year’s Armed Forces Day Open House to support your active duty men and women in all services who are protecting your freedom … and say “Thanks For Your Service to Your Country”. 
IMG_7768.JPG=A little side bar is seeing how the skilled handle the buffet line with ease and grace.  Division 17 Lieutenant Governor Marv Jackson demonstrates the ‘one hand, two plate shuffle’ while holding an iced tea with the other hand.  This takes some practice so you don’t make a big splash of yourself.  Good job, Marv.  Thanks for coming to the event!
IMG_7748.JPG=Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening was U.S. Navy Captain (Ret) Michael Cronin who was a Navy aviator during the Vietnam War, was himself a POW for many years after being shot down over North Vietnam.
IMG_7739.JPG=The Kiwanis Club of Potomac hosted an Armed Forces Day Dinner on May 15th with some recovering “Wounded Warriors” from Walter Reed Medical Center, Bethesda in attendance as honored guests.  The United States Naval Academy Brass Quintet provided patriotic music and the Armed Forces Medley in tribute to all branches of military service.
IMG_7782.JPG=RADM ‘Buz’ Buzby thanks World War II veteran SSGT Bob Vigderhouse for his service to his country.  Bob was a U.S. Army medic landing at Normandy on D Day Plus 2.  Bob was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism and a Purple Heart for service during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 to January 1945.
IMG_7897.JPG=As a bonus, the Joint Services Open House was held at Andrews AFB Saturday and Sunday.  There was an impressive display of aircraft from WWII to the present.  One of the favorites is the North American P-51D Mustang from WWII, perhaps the best prop fighter of its day.
IMG_7751.JPG=A tradition in our military services on such occasions is the remembrance with a “Place for the Missing Man at the Table”.  The table with its white table cloth is set for one.  But no one sits in the chair.  No one dines.  No one drinks from the inverted wine glass.  No one lights the candle.  No one reads from the Bible.  No one smells the roses.  \
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We remember those Killed In Action, Missing In Action, POWs, and those veterans who have passed on.  Thank you for your service to the United States of America.
IMG_7780.JPG=Rear Admiral Mark “Buz” Buzby and Mrs. Buzby pose with Kiwanis Club of Potomac President Aaron Ferrufino after the ceremonies concluded.  Thank you again, RADM Buzby for a very interesting address and Q. & A. session.
IMG_7769.JPG=Kiwanis Club of Bethesda’s Patsy Jackson and Pat Tiede, Club Secretary, enjoy the tribute to the Armed Services.  They were part of a Bethesda interclub.
IMG_7783.JPG=Bob Cressy, Past Governor and veteran 1LT, U.S. Army Artillery and Bob Vigderhouse thank RADM Buzby for his address to the all attendees and especially for his interaction with the “Wounded Warriors” from Walter Reed.  They were delighted to be with him as well.  Bob Cressy recited the “Place for the Missing Man’ ritual during the program.