Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th

Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to attendees about the sacrifices Anaheim veterans have made in numerous wars in the past and present, during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument Nov. 10, 2011. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who have been killed since 2006. The city of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the color guard and escorts for the Marine Corps birthday cake during the ceremony, while Taylor, spoke on behalf of the unit.