Witold “Victor” Brick, 101, takes part in a Veterans Day ceremony at the World War II Memorial on Nov. 11 in Washington. (MUST CREDIT: Matt McClain/The Washington Post) (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
Witold “Victor” Brick stood from his wheelchair with the help of his daughter as his name was called at the annual Veterans Day Observance and wreath laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial.
It was the 101-year-old’s first time attending the ceremony. And it came a mere five days after he had aortic valve replacement surgery.
“We just happened to be here a couple of weeks ago right before surgery, and ran into one of the volunteers, and they asked him to come to this,” said Michelle Guilbault, Brick’s daughter, of Potomac Falls. “We feel so grateful and honored to be here among other World War II veterans, among so many other wonderful veterans also.”
Brick was one of three centenarian WWII veterans honored at Monday’s event. Also there were 100-year old Roy Mullen and 100-year-old Stanley Teller and their families.
This year’s ceremony marked 20 years since the opening of the memorial and the 70th anniversary of the first Veterans Day as a national holiday. Water fountains rushed in the background as the sun shone brightly down on the crowd of about 60 people. Some dressed in American flag paraphernalia, or custom jackets that listed service branch affiliations. A few read “Chickasaw Nation Veterans.”
Brick, who served as a Polish resistance soldier in the Armia Krajowa, was captured as a prisoner of war in 1944. He endured a 500-mile trek, known as “The Great Walk” to Ziegenhain, and stayed there until 1945, when Gen. George Patton’s forces liberated the camp. Brick moved to Italy, then London, before eventually settling in the United States.
Bernie Klemanek of Mineral, Va., places a flag at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
Michelle Guilbault with her father, World War II veteran Witold “Victor” Brick, 101. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
The United States Armed Forces Color Guard at the Veterans Day ceremony. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
“He’s been honored in other ceremonies, but this one takes the cake. This is the most special that you could ever imagine,” Gilbault said.
The ceremony began with an invocation. Jeffrey Reinbold, superintendent of the National Park Service (which maintains the memorial) and Jane Droppa, chair of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial board, spoke.
“On this Veterans Day, we remember the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II, and by all veterans and their families who have served this country,” Reinbold said. “May we would never forget the price of freedom. May we honor their legacy by living in a way that reflects the values they fought to protect.” Reinbold said.
Veterans, representatives of every military branch, and others placed 16 wreaths in front of the wall of 4,048 gold stars as the U.S. Army Brass Quintet played “America the Beautiful.” Each was honored with 2024 “Greatest Generation” commemorative coins from the United States Mint.
Other Veterans Day celebrations took place around the D.C. region. Most notably, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.
“It’s been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation,” Biden said. “You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.”
Retired United States Air Force Col. Sidney O. Wade Jr., left, talks with Jason J. Swain before the Veterans Day ceremony at the World War II Memorial. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
