FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Memorial Day may mark the unofficial start of summer, with the warmer weather summoning big crowds for beach parties and barbecues. However, military advocates emphasize that the true meaning of the holiday shouldn’t be lost over the course of the long weekend.
“Memorial Day is the primary day in the year in the United States where we commemorate veterans who have given their lives on behalf of our country,” said Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Director and Co-Founder of the Military Family Research Institute.
South Florida is holding several events to honor the fallen, including in Miami Gardens, where slain Sgt. La David Johnson was honored. In October 2017, Johnson was on his second tour of duty in Niger when he and three others were ambushed and killed by ISIS combatants. During the ceremony, Johnson’s sister and his mother spoke.
“Throughout his life, he wore many hats. A dad, brother, son,” Richshawnda Johnson said when she took the stand at the ceremony for her brother.
“This year, I made a trip to North Carolina and we added eight new names to the wall, ’cause it’s eight parents celebrating their first Memorial Day without their kids, so my heart is so heavy and I want to tell them that it doesn’t get better but it does get a little more easy to cope with,” said Cowanda Johnson, Johnson’s mother.
Six years later, Sgt. Johnson’s legacy is not only his service but also his three kids. His youngest is now six years old.
“It’s so tough for her because she says it’s very unfair that her brother and sister got to meet her dad and she never did,” added Cowanda.
“It’s always bittersweet, but I know that this is what he wanted,” said Richshawnda. “I know he wanted to be in the army, he wanted to be enlisted.”
His family said that they hope people remember that this is not a day of celebration and its more than just a day off. They want people to know that it’s a day to recognize the men and women like Sgt. Johnson who never came home.
“I want them to know, not just the sacrifices of La David. I want them to know the sacrifices for all fallen soldiers,” Cowanda said. “I want to explain to them about Memorial Day because a lot of parents do not explaining Memorial Day. A lot of kids just think it’s about barbecuing and getting in the pool, hot dogs and hamburgers, but it’s not. It’s way more than that.”
Throughout South Florida, several veterans spoke out about the importance of the holiday and the sacrifice those brave men and women gave for their country.
“Because it’s specifically focused on those who have lost their lives in defense of this nation, either in combat as a result of wounds suffered in combat or really anything tied to their military training or activities while serving,” said veteran Keith Balts.
Reaching out to the family and friends of fallen service members during this time can be a way of showing support.
“Remember the sacrifices that people made to keep this country moving,” said Richshawnda. “So I would like to tell them, be present and understand what Memorial Day is.”
“You cannot forget the men who made this supreme sacrifice so that you could exist, that you could live,” said another veteran.
Besides attending parades and ceremonies, “We can display or help to place flags in cemeteries where veterans are buried. We can donate to organizations that support veterans and veteran memorials,” added MacDermid Wadsworth.
Over in Pompano Beach, as music played and doves were released, city leaders and members of the community gathered for a touching tribute to veterans in attendance. People were brought together to say thank you to those who have served and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The City of North Miami remembering veterans at Griffing Park, honoring those who gave their life lives and celebrating veterans who are still with us.
“This is to remember all who died and who lived, to recognize the existence of people that played an incredible part of our freedom,” said Raymond Samaria, a merchant marine who attended the North Miami ceremony.
A holiday for our country but also a time to remember and remind the ones coming along should not forget our service men and women.
“We need to hang on to and cherish these traditions,” said US Marine William Crabson. “And pass them down to the next generation because we can’t forget. It’s not an option.”
In Miami Beach, residents and fellow troops honored U.S. service members who gave their lives for their country in partnership with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars 3559 Miami Beach Post. Girl Scout Troop 1239 also distributed VFW Buddy Poppies at the event, a show of support for the disabled and needy veterans.
Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo and local officials also hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the courageous men and women who have selflessly given their lives while serving in the armed forces.
The Town of Davie hosted an event, alongside the Boy Scouts of America, to honor fallen service members in the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.
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