Pulitzer-Nominated War Correspondent Leads Fort Meade's Veterans Day Ceremony

Handling the difficulties of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and reinstating soldiers into everyday life were the key topics addressed in Thursday’s Veterans Day Ceremony.

Held at the Fort Meade Museum Plaza, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Pulitzer-nominated journalist Don First spoke of service, consequences and gratitude.

A large crowd gathered despite the cold temperatures and chilly rainfall to honor all those who have served, both past and present

A son of a World Ward II veteran, Ruppersberger emphasized his desire for the United States to take a more active role in helping veterans get back to “normal, everyday life."

“Amid these tough economic times, veterans deserve our attention especially since they’re the ones willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

The key speaker of the ceremony was Don Hirst, a Vietnam veteran, former war correspondent and Pulitzer Prize nominee. Hirst offered transparency into his own life and discussed his personal battles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder decades after serving in Vietnam.

“Unlike fine wine, PTSD doesn’t improve with age,” Hirst said.

After spending years in wartime both as a soldier and war correspondent, Hirst said the physical and mental toll from being in combat war zones is immeasurable.

“We as a nation owe a huge debt to those who have served, a debt I’m not sure that can ever be fully repaid.”

Among those in attendance were local men and women of service, along with other family members mourning the loss of loved ones. Amy MacGregor-Morrisey traveled all the way from West Evans, NY to attend the ceremony with her son Ian Morrisey of Hanover, in honor of her eldest son who died in Baghdad in 2005.

Raymond J. Moran, 82, said he enjoyed the event because it unites fellow veterans and allows people time to reflect on those who sacrifice their lives for others.

“Even as a kid, soldiers were who I looked up to,” Moran said. “I used to stand by the railroad tracks and wave at them as they headed off.” Moran still serves as a recruiter for the military and is the self-proclaimed “oldest recruiter in the Army.”

In closing, Hirst discussed the current social culture and his pleasure that soldiers are no longer greeted the way they were back during the Vietnam era.

“I find it grateful that military men and women are no longer received with poor treatment,” he said. “Thank you for your service, and may God bless you.”