Veterans Day Ceremony And Closings

Steve Cromwell Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Two years ago, I wrote a piece, Voices of Our Veterans, which included Steve Cromwell’s story from World War II. Now he’s the speaker at the Veterans Day Ceremony this Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 11 AM in Veterans Park which is located at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Veirs Mill Road . Parking is available at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or at the Sandy Spring Bank building located between Fleet Street and Route 355.

Although I shared narratives from four veterans about their service in the piece, Mr. Cromwell’s story also depicts a small piece of Rockville’s history:

Since he is the last living survivor of the first wave on Omaha Beach, Steve Cromwell received a gold medal of honor from the U.S. Congress. Even so, he admitted that his own kids never knew of his experiences in World War II because he would never speak about it. He still has the piece of shrapnel that ripped his pants but left him unharmed as he ran across the beach during the Normandy Landing that day. Although people expected the Allied Forces to attack, they didn’t know when D-Day would occur. News of the offensive reached our City at about 11 a.m. The minister at Christ Episcopal Church started to ring the church bell. The courts and businesses closed. People knew something was happening and by 11:30 a.m. they gathered at the church to pray. All of Rockville’s soldiers survived the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.

Mr. Cromwell served in five campaigns including the first wave at Omaha Beach in Normandy, the China Seas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. As I’m sure you can tell, you don’t want to miss his words on Veteran’s Day.

The ceremony is always filled with energy and respect. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and give a 21-gun salute.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Here’s all the schedule and closings for Veteran’s Day:
Recycling and refuse will be collected on regular schedules.
All city-owned parking meters and garages are free. Parking at Montgomery County public garages, lots, and curbside meters is free.

CLOSED:

City Hall will be closed.
County Offices are closed.
Libraries are closed.
State offices & courts are closed.
Glenview Mansion will be closed and the Rockville Civic Center Park offices will be closed.
The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery will be closed.
Rockville Senior Center will be closed.

OPEN:

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center will be open on its regular schedule.
RedGate Municipal Golf Course will be open. The course will operate under winter hours (first tee time at 9 AM).
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center will be open regular hours (6 AM- 9:30 PM).
Lincoln Park Community Center will be open regular hours (9 AM -9:30 PM).
Thomas Farm Community Center will be open regular hours (6 AM-9:30 PM).
The Croydon Creek Nature Center will be open regular hours (9 AM-5 PM).
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Box Office will be open 2-7 PM.
After school and teen programs will operate on their regular schedule.
County liquor stores are open for regular hours.
Ride On has the special modified holiday schedule.
Metrobus has special service.
Metrorail is open 5 AM to midnight.
Transfer Station is open.
MCPS Administrative Offices are open.

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