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This year's Keynote Speaker is Retired Army Colonel Ward Nickisch. Col. Nickisch served in the Army for 30 years, including duty in Vietnam. He later commanded two companies in Germany and a battalion in the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, NC and went on to serve as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Army and Director of Casualty and Memorial Affairs. In that position he was responsible for the search, recovery, identification, and repatriation of the soldiers (of all Military Services) whose bodies were recovered from all prior wars.
Col. Nickisch remains active in Veterans affairs at the local, state, and national levels. He and his wife reside in Gainesville, VA.
Master of Ceremonies: Harry Shovlin
Posting of Colors: Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 130
Remembrance for POW/MIAs: Commander Bob Smith, VFW Post 9274 and Chairman of the Falls Church Veterans Council
National Anthem: City of Falls Church Concert Band and Ret. Sgt. Major Robert Petillo, US Army Band under the direction of Robert Little
Invocation: Rev. Dr. Rick Wright, The Falls Church Anglican
Welcoming: David Tarter, Mayor, City of Falls Church
Remarks: Bob Smith, Chairman, Greater Falls Church Veterans Council
The Unknown Soldier: City of Falls Church Concert Band, under the direction of Robert Little
Keynote Address: Colonel Ward B. Nickish (Retired) U.S. Army
God Bless America: City of Falls Church Concert Band and Sgt. Major Robert Petillo, US Army Band under the direction of Robert Little
Presentation of Wreath in Memory of Departed Veterans: Shannon Combs-Bennett, Falls Church Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Escorted by Richard L. Anton, Post 130
Presentations & Announcements: Harry Shovlin
Prayer for the Departed Veterans: Rev. Dr. Rick Wright, The Falls Church Anglican
Taps: Master Gunnery Sgt. John Abbracciamento, U.S. Marine Corps Band
Retiring of POW/MIA Flag: Commander Bob Smith, VFW Post 9274
Retiring of Colors: Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 130