Memorial Day ceremony at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall

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Memorial Day ceremony at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall

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.

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3 Comments
  • Bob says:

    Cassy has some really pretty hair too!

  • TetVet68 says:

    Remember Pearl Harbor — Keep America Alert!

    America’s oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, living his 100th year is former enlisted Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM), later wartime commissioned Lieutenant John W. Finn, U. S. Navy (Ret.). He is also the last surviving Medal of Honor, “The Day of Infamy”, Japanese Attack on the Hawaiian Islands, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.

    (Now deceased) ‘Navy Centenarian Sailor’, 103 year old, former enlisted Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Chief Radioman (ACRM, Combat Aircrewman), later wartime commissioned Chief Warrant Officer Julio ‘Jay’ Ereneta, U. S. Navy (Ret.), is a thirty year career veteran of World War One and World War Two. He first flew aircrewman in August 1922; flew rearseat Radioman/Gunner (1920s/1930s) in the tactical air squadrons of the Navy’s first aircraft carriers, USS LANGLEY (CV-1) and USS LEXINGTON (CV-2).

    Visit my photo album tribute to these veteran shipmates:

    http://news.webshots.com/album/123286873BFAAiq
    http://news.webshots.com/album/141695570BONFYl

    San Diego, California

  • Steffen says:

    Thanks for sharing! Here in Germany was a normal day.

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