Join Rockville’s Mayor and Council for this annual ceremony honoring the men and women who served in the nation’s armed forces. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony, and its honor guard will present a rifle salute.
2026 Event Details
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
11 a.m.
Veterans Park
Route 28 and Route 355
Rockville, MD 20850
Free parking is available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.
Program
| Order of Events | Participants |
|---|---|
| Welcome | Mayor Monique Ashton |
| Invocation | Rev. Timothy P. Carr, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church |
| Presentation of Colors | American Legion Post 86 Color Guard |
| Pledge of Allegiance | Led by Mayor Monique Ashton |
| Remarks | Mayor Monique Ashton |
| Guest Speaker | Colonel Eric Goldie, U.S. Army, Ret. |
| Wreath Laying Ceremony | American Legion Post 86, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 86, American Legion Riders Post 86, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 86, Daughters of the American Revolution, Janet Montgomery Chapter, Disabled American Veterans, Rockville Memorial Chapter 12, Fleet Reserve Association, Triangle Branch 182, Honor and Remember, Marine Corps League – Sgt. Jack Hettchen, Jr. Det. 1428 Montgomery Co., Military Officers Association of America, Montgomery Co. Chapter, Nam Knights of America Capital Chapter, POW Association, Sullivan Brothers Assembly #2861 of the Knights of Columbus, United States Submarine Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 641, Volunteers to Veterans of Montgomery County, Washington/Rockville Elks Lodge No. 15 |
| “Amazing Grace” | Kon Gojnycz, The Washington Tattoo and Washington Scottish Pipe Band |
| Rifle Salute | American Legion Post 86 Color Guard |
| “Taps” | Jose Garcia, Rockville Concert Band |
| Benediction | Rabbi Baht Yameem Weiss, Temple Beth Ami |
| Closing Remarks | Mayor Monique Ashton |
Guest Speaker
Colonel Eric Goldie is a retired U.S. Army officer whose military career spans more than 30 years of dedicated service and leadership across operational, logistical, legal, and strategic assignments.
Throughout his military career, Colonel Goldie served in numerous senior leadership positions, including Director of Operations for the Office of the Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions, Logistics, and Technology in Washington, D.C.; Deputy Director of Space and Multi-Domain Operations with the 75th Innovation Command; and Battalion Commander of the 79th Special Troops Battalion in Los Alamitos, California. His other notable assignments included Chief Logistics Officer with the 351st Civil Affairs Command and Government Contracts Attorney with United States Forces-Iraq in Baghdad, where he supported military operations during his deployment to Iraq.
Over the course of his career, Colonel Goldie completed numerous professional military education programs, including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Pre-Command Course, Military Police Captains Career Course, and Armor Officer Basic Course. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge, and a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law.
His military decorations include the Army Superior Unit Award, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (with 2 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Korean Defense Service Medal.
He continues his commitment to leadership and service as the Senior Army Instructor for the JROTC program at Magruder High School in Rockville. As an active member of the Rockville community, Colonel Goldie enjoys visiting Rockville Town Center and giving back through community outreach. He regularly accompanies JROTC cadets on visits to local retirement homes, where they provide companionship and comfort to elderly residents and veterans. A Montgomery County resident, he also enjoys exploring the trails of Rock Creek Park and photographing the brilliant colors of autumn.
Weather and Event Updates
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Carnation Room at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. Weather updates will be posted on this page.
ADA Accomodations
Rockville Recreation and Parks is committed to upholding the Americans with Disabilities Act by offering reasonable modifications/accommodations, including materials in alternative formats. Early notification allows us time to secure modifications. Please contact our Special Events team at specialevents@rockvillemd.gov to discuss your needs.
contact
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Contact
Recreation and Parks Department
Special Events Division
240-314-8620
specialevents@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.