Stafford Honoring the Fallen with the Old Guard at Memorial Day Ceremony

Stafford County will honor the fallen with a powerful tribute at its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, featuring a special appearance by The Old Guard-the U.S. Army's Third Infantry Regiment-and keynote remarks by Lester Evans, retired Marine Corps Lt. Colonel and President of Rolling Thunder, Inc., VA 3. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 am at the Armed Services Memorial, located on the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554. The event will also help kick off Stafford's celebration of the Virginia 250th Anniversary.

"Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy were paid for by those who gave everything so that we might live in safety, liberty and peace," said Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Deuntay Diggs. "This will be a very special event with the incredible Old Guard supporting us and our keynote speaker, Lester Evans, a retired Marine Corps Lt. Colonel who has actively served his fellow veterans in Rolling Thunder."

The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. Since World War II, The Old Guard has served as the official Army Honor Guard and escort to the President. Old Guard soldiers are responsible for conducting military ceremonies at the White House, the Pentagon, national memorials, and other places in the nation's capital. In addition, soldiers of The Old Guard maintain a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns, provide military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery, and participate in parades at Fort Myer and Fort Lesley J. McNair.

Lester Evans is a retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. He is the President of Rolling Thunder, Inc., VA 3. He and his fellow members of Rolling Thunder have proudly participated in Stafford's annual Memorial Day ceremonies for several years. Evans enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1977 and rose to become a commissioned officer. His postings revolved around air traffic control and aviation. He supported humanitarian relief operations during Hurricane Hugo. He served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He finished his career in the military as Deputy of the Aviation Command Control Branch and 5900 Occupational Field Sponsor at HQMC. He received numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He now works in private industry supporting the Marine Corps. He and his family live in Stafford County.

VA250 is Virginia's statewide celebration of America's 250th birthday, honoring the people, places, and stories that helped shape our nation. Stafford County is proud to be part of this journey, highlighting its rich history and community spirit through special events and activities. The Memorial Day Ceremony will mark Stafford's start of the celebration.

Learn more and get involved at va250.org/stafford-county.