NEWPORT-"It's been said a veteran writes a blank check to the country he (or she) serves in an amount up to, and including, their own life."

Those were some of the words of wisdom that Sgt./Major David Hatfield shared as the keynote speaker at the 21st annual Veterans Day celebration held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Hatfield served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including time spent as a Marine drill sergeant at the Marine Corps base in Parris Island, S. C.

On Sunday, under beautiful skies and warm temperatures, well over 100 people sat or stood to hear Hatfield recall that he "would remind my recruits that quitters never win, and winners never quit."

Hatfield also said of veterans in general, "None of them ask what their country can do for them, but what they can do for their nation. They are the very best this country produces."

For more details, please see the Tuesday edition of the Newport Plain Talk.