JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS. Va. –
U.S. service members, veterans and community members gathered to remember and honor the fallen during a Memorial Day ceremony at Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton, May 28, 2018.
During the annual ceremony, wreaths representing each branch of service were laid to commemorate the sacrifice made by veterans and fallen service members for the nation.
“Memorial day gives us the opportunity to stop and think about those brave [service members] who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation,” said keynote speaker U.S. Army Col. Chris Corizzo, Army Capabilities Integration Center sustainment division chief. “We are unified with the common purpose of honoring uncommon bravery and to pay a well-deserved tribute to those who ensured us the freedoms that we now enjoy.”
Service members from each branch laid wreaths on the gravesites and rendered a salute to signify commitment to honoring the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
During the ceremony a roll-call was conducted to honor those who served during times of conflict dating back to World War II. Veterans in attendance were asked to stand and receive recognition, followed by a moment of silence in honor of World War I service members.
“Each of us owe a debt to these and all Americans who have worn the cloth of the nation,” said Janice Hill, Hampton National Cemetery director. “We must keep a promise to those who serve, that their lives will not be forgotten and their sacrifice was not in vain. Every veteran has a story – one that deserves to be remembered.”
The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps and attendees placing flowers on the graves of the fallen.
“We are the teachers of our children and it is up to us to instill in them the respect and honor due to our true American heroes,” said Corizzo. “Our fallen Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen deserve nothing less.”