Memorial Day marks a day of remembrance for the community to honor the nation’s heroes.
On Monday, Miami Gardens honored Sgt. La David Johnson, who was killed about six years ago in action, with a breakfast tribute at the Senior Family Center located at 18330 N.W. 12th Ave.
Johnson was on his second tour of duty in Niger when he and three other soldiers were killed during an ISIS-led ambush. The 25-year-old left behind a wife and three children.
Locations across South Florida celebrated the veterans and fallen heroes of America as well.
Fort Lauderdale had an event that ended at 11:30 a.m. The event took place at the Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery located at 2001 S.W. 4th Ave. It was free of charge and anyone could have attended.
“We come together to honor these brave American’s and express gratitude to our service men and women who gave lives, and to ensure that the blood that they shed, and on our behalf, is never forgotten,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
At 10 a.m., Hialeah held a Memorial Day Ceremony where residents honored the courageous men and women who have selflessly given their lives while serving in the armed forces. This event will took place at Veteran’s Park located at 290 Palm Ave.
There was missing man table on display at Veteran’s Park to remember the fallen, missing or imprisoned.
“It’s a day that we remember those veterans that didn’t come back from combat,” said Hialeah City Council President Carl Zogby.
“And perhaps the most fitting thing we can do as a city and as a nation is never ever forget,” said Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo.
In the City of Miami Beach, there was an event to praise the memory of U.S. service members during a wreath-laying ceremony and salute. The event took place at the Miami Beach Police Department located at 1100 Washington Ave.
Vietnam veteran, Larry Leitner, attended the ceremony in Miami Beach.
“Sitting and facing forward, you don’t realize how many people are behind you until the ceremony ends, and you realize the size of the crowd that was here,” Leitner said. “It’s very moving.”
The Mayor of Miami Beach spoke at the event and reminded the community what Memorial Day means to the nation.
“Two days ago General Gervaine quoted someone and I think it’s so true, she said, ‘We are celebrating those people who gave up all of the moments in their lives so we could have moments in our lives.'” he said. “So on behalf of the city of Miami Beach, I want to thank all those that wake up every day, all of you, all of our police, all of our first responders who wake up every day and prepare to make that kind of sacrifice. Today we celebrate the millions of Americans who woke up, didn’t come home and did it for someone they didn’t know, but mostly for the principles that make this country truly exceptional.”
Another event that took place at 10 a.m., was the Memorial Day Service at Corporal Howard B. Hinson Park hosted by the city of North Miami. This gathering encouraged the community to reflect on the sacrifices soldiers have made for the country.
Also in North Miami, at Griffing Park, a wreath was laid at the veteran’s memorial.
“So this is a day to remember them and their family for this ultimate sacrifice that they made,” said Ret. U.S. Airforce Col. Rudolph Moise.
At 10:30 a.m., Tamarac will held its own special event for Memorial Day at the city’s community center located at 8601 West Commercial Blvd.
As the day unfoled, people united in gratitude and paid homage to our nation’s heroes, which embodied the true spirit of Memorial Day.
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