Veterans Day Observance Honors Military Personnel

The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials and members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military.

Gaithersburg High School NJROTC will present the colors, members of the Gaithersburg Chorus will sing the National Anthem, and the Gaithersburg High School Jazz Ensemble will perform patriotic music. Gaithersburg High School Band member Vincent Ruocco will play "Taps." A reception with refreshments, courtesy of Mackie's Barbecue Co., will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Hall Gallery.

Joining the observance is special guest speaker Lt. Cmdr. Noel Peralta, U.S. Navy. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Lt. Cmdr. Peralta earned a bachelor's degree in international business from San Diego State University and was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer (Administration) in 2014.

After enlisting in the Navy in 1999, he served aboard multiple ships and aviation commands before transitioning to the Navy Reserve in 2006. His reserve assignments have included leadership and administrative roles with Naval Special Warfare, U.S. 3^rd Fleet, U.S. 6^th Fleet, Naval Amphibious Force Task Force 51/5^th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and U.S. European Command. He currently serves as Prospective Executive Officer, Navy Reserve Naval District Washington Regional Operations Center.

Lt. Cmdr. Peralta's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various service and campaign awards. Read his full bio.

For more information, please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture.