Yesterday, Matt and I attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall. The ceremony was packed with servicemembers and civilians alike. I tried to take pictures, but my camera died before the ceremony even started. (I did put the few pictures I took below the jump.)

There were wreaths honoring the branches of the military, and the First Coast Tea Party sponsored the Merchant Marines wreath. I, along with a fellow committee member, joined a 91-year-old retired Merchant Marine to present the wreath for the ceremony. I felt extremely honored to be standing next to him.

It was a very solemn and emotional service, as seven Jacksonville heroes who have passed were added to the Operation Iraqi Freedom wall. Their families were there, and spoke on their behalf. To say that I, along with most of the other attendees, cried would be an understatement.

The ceremony ended with a 21 gun salute, and the playing of Taps. I’ve put my pictures below the jump, so check them out and again… remember to say a prayer of thanks for the men and women who have given their last full measure of devotion so that we may be free.