Norfolk Naval Shipyard VET-ERG Leads America’s Shipyard in Celebration for our Nation’s Veterans STORY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY DANNY DEANGELIS • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Every year in November, our nation comes together to celebrate our veterans – those who serve and ensure the freedom of the American people. At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), the Veteran Employee Readiness Group (VET-ERG) led the charge in celebration, hosting the annual Veterans Day Fall-In for Colors Nov. 10. “This is one of our most significant events of the year as we gather together and pay tribute to the many service members—both active duty and retired—here at our shipyard, in our families, and throughout our country who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation,” said NNSY Executive Officer Capt. Todd Nichols. “So many of our nation’s veterans have served in the face of adversity without regard for self, and in the face of danger. They have modeled for us the qualities of heroism, leadership, sacrifice, honor and devotion to duty. Chances are many of you recognize and appreciate that some of the most 14 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • DECEMBER 2020
influential persons in your lives have been veteran friends, family and mentors—through their life-changing advice, through lighting our life’s path, and through constant modeling of what right looks like.” Veterans Day originated from Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, which occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Each year at NNSY, the shipyard workforce comes together to support the men and women who fought and continue to fight for the freedom of the nation. At NNSY alone, there are more than 3,000 veterans employed with more than 650 considered Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Wounded Warriors. The fall-in invited all shipyard personnel, tenants, and Sailors to attend in the current COVID-19 safety regulated environment, with attendees wearing face coverings at all times and practicing physical distancing. Following
