FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Hundreds of people gathered at the Florence National Cemetery on Monday to honor the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

The annual ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem and a prayer. Veterans, Gold Star families, active duty service men and women, and members of the community came together to preserve the memory of our country’s fallen heroes. 

“Memorial Day to me is every day. My sons’ middle names are the first names of a couple of guys that we lost in Afghanistan. For us, Memorial Day is remembering everyone who laid down their lives for this country in defense of freedom, in defense of national security,” said Jason Ramos, an active duty recruiter for the U.S. Army.

The community came together to honor those who either died in combat overseas or upon their return home. Aubrey Mayers, a Gold Star mother, lost her son in 1999 when he was killed in a helicopter crash in Kentucky. She says she grieves him every day, not just on Memorial Day.

“I miss him every day. No matter how many years it’s been. 18, almost 20.” she said. Mayers’ son died 8 days before his 23rd birthday.
For the families who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one, it’s days like Memorial Day that keep their memories and legacies alive. Veteran Raymond Kingsbury said Memorial Day is also a time to reflect on American values and our history.
“It’s a day in which we remember our heritage from the time of our Revolution all the way to current day. And it’s very important for us to remember and not forget those who have paid the ultimate price for what we receive in freedom.”
 
The Florence National Cemetery hosts a ceremony on Memorial Day every year.