Korean War veteran Hibbert Manley heads up a line of veterans carrying the flags of their organizations during today’s annual massing of the colors ceremony. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

"There are many ways to serve our country and all are honorable," Bramlett told a gathering of several hundred dignitaries and veterans. "But the veteran has served in a unique role. The veteran was charged to defend the nation, to defend us, to defend our principles, even to death.

"Serving in uniform for one's country may be the highest form of duty," he continued. "We have become the nation we are because we have had and have today men and women who answer duty's call."

Bramlett is the former commander of U.S. Army Forces Command.

In opening the one-hour mid-morning ceremony, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Director Gene Castagnetti recognized World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and other veterans who served overseas who were in the audience.

Linda Lingle, in her first official public appearance as Hawai'i's newly elected governor, told the crowd about an e-mail she received two days ago from Army Maj. Gen. Karl Eikenberry.