FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Florence hosted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday. Several military veterans gathered, while saluting and remembering the fallen soldiers.
Mary Day, an Army veteran, told News 19 what the true meaning of Memorial Day is.
“It’s the first thing on the agenda. Every Memorial Day is to be present and remember those that aren’t here anymore,” Day said.
A day to remember the men and women who fought for our freedom, who have passed away.
University of North Alabama, Military and Veterans Affairs Coordinator Jimmy Roberts, said that Memorial Day isn’t just about remembering those who served and lost their life – it is also about the people they left behind.
“Today means those soldiers who have packed up belongings of fellow soldiers they’ve served with, and they know that sting of losing someone and knowing of the loved one back home is gonna unpack all of those things,” Roberts said.
People reminisced on beautiful memories of loved ones who served our country.
“Today is about that spot in the bed where that husband or wife will never return, today is about that kid that grows up without a mother or a father, today is about those people who paid that sacrifice and now those families are missing someone in their lives and they know that price and cost that they paid to be there,” Roberts said.
Veterans at the ceremony said the day allows them to take a pause and remember those they fought beside and lost.
“It’s an emotional day for so many. Today is for me to be with my fellow veterans, and for me to honor and remember everyone that’s not here, cause I’ve lost so many friends, and a lot of us have,” Day said.
A wreath-laying ceremony also took place, as well as taps being performed.
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