Veterans are sharing their stories of service this Memorial Day and reflecting on the direction of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. It was only after World War I that Memorial Day became a truly national holiday, adopting its current name and theme: honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.
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A few dozen gathered at the Grand Army of the Republic lot in the Iowa City cemetery to hear the Gettysburg Address, watch experience a 21-gun salute and honor veterans from the Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan.
American Legion posts 4 and 119, the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign War, the Vietnam Vets Association and the Boy Scouts are the groups that placed the flags at Mountview Cemetery.
It’s important to remember what Memorial Day is really all about – remembering those military men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. The parade began at Hebron Baptist Church and ended at Dacula High School.
It is 30th May and the nation is celebrating the Memorial Day 2016.
“They were young, they were innocent, they were noble and they were fearless”, Hassler said.
John Mickelson led the ceremony and encouraged visitors to walk around the cemetery and keep their eyes out for coins left on the graves of veterans.
And the Disabled American Veterans will hold a service at the cemetery across from Camp Johnson main gate on Route 15 at 10 a.m.in Colchester.
Veterans Day is on November 11.
“Today is a day for us to reflect and take time to honor those whose supreme sacrifices have given us the freedoms we enjoy”.
Starting the Wednesday before the holiday weekend the grounds crew goes to work honoring those who have served their country. It’s about the people who died to give us the rights we have now.
“I want to give tribute to all those that I can”, said Joanne Kereston. The flag was lowered to half-staff as the 3rd Infantry Division Band Brass Ensemble played the national anthem in honor of fallen soldiers.
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I’m proud to be the son of a veteran and I’m sure many in our great state are proud of all of our Florida-born soldiers and all of their sacrifices.
