Memorial Day Ceremony at Albert G. Horton Jr. Veterans Cemetery Honors Fallen Heroes
Memorial Day program at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery honors promise to remember
The Suffolk News-herald
Image: The Suffolk News-herald
On Memorial Day, families and veterans gathered at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Speakers emphasized the importance of remembrance, not just on this day but throughout the year, highlighting the ongoing grief of Gold Star families and the community's role in preserving their memory.
- 01The ceremony featured a rifle salute, 'Taps,' and various tributes including a POW/MIA table presentation and wreath-laying.
- 02Sloane Rose, Deputy Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, emphasized the importance of ongoing remembrance for Gold Star families.
- 03Retired Marine Corps Col. Jay Krail discussed the historical roots of Memorial Day, tracing it back to Decoration Day established in 1868.
- 04The Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery is one of three state veterans cemeteries in Virginia and has over 20,000 interments.
- 05Commander Dave Buchy reminded attendees that for Gold Star families, every day is a memorial day, highlighting their continuous grief.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 25, families, veterans, and community members gathered at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, to observe Memorial Day with a ceremony honoring the sacrifices of fallen service members. The event featured a series of tributes including a rifle salute, the playing of 'Taps,' and a wreath-laying ceremony. Key speakers included Sloane Rose, Deputy Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, who spoke about the importance of remembering Gold Star families and the ongoing grief they endure. Retired Marine Corps Col. Jay Krail reflected on the historical origins of Memorial Day, linking it to the 1868 Decoration Day, which was established to honor those lost in the Civil War. He emphasized that Memorial Day is not just a single day of remembrance but a commitment to honor the fallen throughout the year. The cemetery, dedicated in 2004, has become one of the busiest veterans cemeteries in the nation, surpassing 20,000 interments. The ceremony concluded with the reminder that for Gold Star families, the pain of loss is a daily reality.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The ceremony fosters community engagement and support for Gold Star families, reinforcing the importance of remembrance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.