On Sunday November 11^th at 11a.m. in the Memorial Courtyard the National Museum of the Pacific War will hold its annual Veterans Day observance to honor all of those who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces. This program is free and open to the public.

Colonel Robert Q. Ake, JFLCC/United States Army North (Fifth Army) Fort Sam Houston, Texas will be the keynote speaker this year. Col. Ake was born in Okinawa, Japan to MSG (Ret.) Gene R. and Gayle W. Ake. COL. Ake served as the Assistant S3, 89th MP Brigade at Fort Hood and subsequently commanded the 411th MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, with duty in Panama, the Caribbean, and Southwest Asia.  He then served as a Small Group Leader and Team Chief for the MP Officer Advanced Course, 701st MP Battalion, and later served as the Secretary of the General Staff for the US Army Chemical and Military Police Centers and Fort McClellan. He also served with the 16th MP Brigade (Airborne) as the Adjutant and later as Brigade Executive Officer. He has been awarded many honors some of which are,  the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLC). Col. Ake has had five combat tours, including while in company and battalion command.

Opening remarks will be given by General Michael Hagee USMC (Ret.) President and CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The invocation will be given by Captain Roger Spencer, USN (Ret).  Colors will be posted by the color guard from National Security Agency, Central Service Section based at Lackland AFB. FISD NJROTC will lead the National Anthem. The Nimitz Living History Detachment will execute the three gun volley, followed by taps performed by Bill Smallwood and Randy Richter.  Ambleside School Choir will perform a musical medley during the program.

The National Museum of the Pacific War is a Texas Historical Commission property supported, operated, and managed by the Admiral Nimitz Foundation.