DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - Sunshine and breezy conditions allowed for big turnouts at Memorial Day events across South Florida.
An event at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie set out to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, at around 10:30 a.m., Monday.
The event kicked off with a parade at a nearby fire station, and the parade consisted of several Boy Scout troops, ROTC students and police and fire officials.
Community members lined up along the parade’s route waving U.S. flags to show support.
7News spoke with some attendees who expressed what Memorial Day means to them.
“Memorial Day is all about the service members who gave their life and gave the ultimate sacrifice, so we can be here today,” Joe King said.
“It’s about being proud to be an American,” Scott Rockwerk added. “Being glad for what others have given us.”
“It’s honoring all the people that sacrificed their lives just for us to be free,” Wendy Ceresani said. “That’s the important thing about America.”
In Miami Gardens, a special breakfast was held in honor of Sgt. La David T. Johnson.
Johnson, 25, gave his life in service to his country during an October 2017 ambush in Niger, Africa.
Myeshia Johnson, his wife, and two young children were among the dozens of people who came out to the breakfast.
Johnson said her two children ask about their father every day.
“My son is just like him, so it’s kinda bittersweet at the same time because he’s like a clone of his dad,” Johnson said. “He has his personality. He acts like him. He looks like him.”
North Miami Beach renamed No Name Park, off Northeast 160th Street, to the Park for Fallen Soldiers and is named after Cpl. Howard B. Hinson, who died in World War II.
Hinson’s family traveled from Colorado for the occasion.
“I never knew my uncle, but it’s wonderful for our family to see this patriotic gesture,” nephew Howard Hinson said.
In Miami Beach, a wreath-laying ceremony and a 21-gun salute were held to remember those that had fallen in service of their country.
At Lauderdale Memorial Park, community members gathered to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Every year, we must continue to maintain this holiday and to keep the memory going,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said.
All of these events was South Florida’s way of pausing and saying thanks to those who have died for their country.
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