MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Fallen veterans, including Miami Gardens’ own Sgt. La David T. Johnson, were honored at several events across South Florida this Memorial Day.
The City of Miami Gardens honored Johnson during their annual Memorial Day Breakfast, Monday morning. This year, however, the breakfast was named in his honor and called the Sgt. La David T. Johnson Memorial Day Breakfast.
Those in attendance saluted 25-year-old Johnson, who gave his life in service to his country during an October 2017 ambush in Niger, Africa.
Johnson’s wife, Myeisha Johnson, and other family members attended the breakfast alongside residents, veterans and city officials, like Mayor Oliver Gilbert and the Miami Gardens City Council.
“Me and my family appreciate everything Miami Gardens has [done] for me and my husband because we was born and raised here. This is our hometown,” said Myeisha Johnson. “I just appreciate everything that Miami Gardens has done.”
The event has honored the nation’s fallen heroes each year since 2006.
However, the breakfast was not the only event meant to honor those who gave their lives for this country.
The City of Miami Beach hosted a remembrance ceremony Monday afternoon. Johnson was also honored at that ceremony.
Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes hosted its annual patriotic remembrance ceremony, Monday.
“I think our society survives and becomes better because we remember over one million Americans who gave their lives for our freedoms today,” said Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid.
The City of Margate also hosted its own ceremony. “We need to remember them. I couldn’t be here today without them,” said a woman in attendance.
Residents and city leaders in Fort Lauderdale paid tribute to the fallen as well.
“I lost a cousin in Vietnam, lost a lot of good friends over there,” said attendee Roy Wood.
Back in Miami Beach, officials said Memorial Day ceremonies have been held in the city for more than 50 years.
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