Pride, gratitude and honor at Delaware Memorial Day service [video]

 (Alyssa Wesley/for NewsWorks)

(Alyssa Wesley/for NewsWorks)

Memorial Day is a day that marks several things for our community: the start of summer, and most importantly a time set aside to remember the many fallen soldiers and their families who have given us the gift of freedom we enjoy today.

The scene at the War Memorial Plaza in New Castle on a rainy Tuesday morning was a scene of pride, gratitude, and honor as dozens gathered to remember the fallen soldiers and to thank their families. Veterans and family members gathered to recognize the ultimate sacrifice given to our country by these lost soldiers, and to ensure their sacrifice was not in vain by honoring their memory.

Among those who paid their tribute to the fallen soldiers and offered their thanks to the veterans were former Vice President Joe Biden, Governor John Carney, Delaware National Guard Adjutant General Carol Timmons, and other government and military officials. They thanked the veterans who have served and honored the soldiers who have been lost in war’s crossfire.

“You are the most trusted among us, the most tested of all Americans,” Biden told veterans who gathered for the ceremony. “You’re not only the heart and soul, but you’re the very spine of this nation.”

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Adj. Gen. Carol Timmons of the Delaware National Guard spoke to the audience of the importance this day holds and why we must take the time to remember those who have given everything to preserve freedom. “It’s our duty as citizens to pay respects to the soldiers we have lost in war,” says Timmons.

The memory of the soldiers who did not return home from war was honored with several floral arrangements, musical tributes from a military band, and a 21-gun salute. Attendees of the event were given pouches of poppy flower seeds to grow in honor of the Gold Star families who have lost a member of their family in battle.

“We mourn the lives not lived and the dreams never realized,” Gov. Carney said. “It’s a day that shakes, or should shake us, that says ‘never forget.'”

Veterans from wars dating back to World War I and every war since were present at the event wearing memorabilia signifying their service in the form of hats, medals, and uniform jackets.

The Delaware Veterans Memorial Day Service is held annually at the War Memorial Park every May 30th to honor the veterans of New Jersey and Delaware.

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