In Leesburg, a heartfelt remembrance at a historic residence

Tim Kaine righted a wrong today.

The U.S. senator and former Virginia governor had passed through Leesburg and Loudoun County more times than he can count -- campaigning, meeting with constituents, flying out of Dulles. Yet somehow the Senate Armed Services Committee member had never visited the home of decorated Gen. George C. Marshall, tucked quaintly into a corner of downtown Leesburg.

The Democratic lawmaker rectified that today, as he and and a handful of state and local officials honored the nation's veterans at the 11th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration at the Marshall House.

At least two dozen veterans were on hand for the ceremony, including keynote speaker Susan S. Lawrence, a retired Army lieutenant general, master of ceremonies Maj. Dennis Boykin with the local VFW Post 1177 and legendary local Stanley Caulkins of Caulkins Jewelers in Leesburg.

“We are the most connected state of the 50 states to America's military mission,” said Kaine, noting that one in 10 Virginians is a veteran, the numerous military installations in the commonwealth, Langley, Navy operations in Hampton Roads and the Department of Defense's footprint in Northern Virginia.

Veterans Day isn't strictly about the past, he said. It's also about the future and the post-war impact service members and veterans have on local communities.

“As our global challenges grow and become more unpredictable, we are asking more and more of a select few, many who have been deployed on multiple tours in dangerous theaters," said Kaine, who has a son serving in the military. "On Veterans Day, we should all be reminded that their sacrifices do not end once they return home."