Alexandrians marked Veterans Day by honoring former servicemen and women across the city Thursday. 

Nowhere was the tribute to Americans armed forces more poignant than the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Local veterans and residents commemorated the life and service of Rocky Versace, a U.S. Army military advisor assigned to South Vietnam in 1962.

Not long after deciding to leave the Army for the seminary, Versace was captured by the Viet Cong. For refusing to cooperate with the North Vietnamese, Versace was condemned to execution. In 2002, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 

The ceremony began roughly at the same time a second celebration this time of black veterans and their contributions to the nations armed forced ended at Alexandrias Black History Museum. Attendees were treated to speakers, music and snacks to commemorate the holiday.

– Derrick Perkins