BACK BAY — Residents from Virginia Beach and nearby Knotts Island, North Carolina, gathered at the Military Aviation Museum on Monday, May 29, for a Memorial Day ceremony.
The community event was sponsored by the Senior Resource Center, Inc., and Creeds Ruritan Club in partnership with the museum, which is located in southern Virginia Beach.
The gathering included a program inside the museum and a wreath laying outside near waving flags about the museum grounds.
“This is a day to remember those sacrifices that have been made so we can be free American citizens,” said Sharon Prescott, vice president of the Senior Resource Center board.
Gathered there were veterans, military families, young people, including some who involved with scouting. A trumpeter, Tom Graper of Cape Story, gave a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that was joined by the singing of attendees.
In prayer, Dr. Lynn Hardaway, senior pastor at Blackwater Baptist Church, gave thanks for those who have sacrificed for our nation and its citizens.
“Our people are buried in countries around the world, in sands and forests and here at home,” Hardaway said. “And this day, we remember that lives have been lost so we can have abundant lives now.”
City Councilmember Barbara Henley, a Pungo farmer who represents District 2, said the day was meant to pay tribute to all who gave their lives in service to our country.
“There have been thousands since that first war, the Revolution,” Henley said. “We often say that we will not forget them and the sacrifices they made for all of us. On this day, we take the opportunity to remember the names of those from this community who have made that sacrifice.”
She named some of those lost from local communities, dating back to the 18th Century and progressing through the years to more recent wars, and she spoke of the work locals have done to preserve their memories.
“It’s so important that we not forget these people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our freedom,” Henley said.
We can all honor them by working in our communities and in service to our neighbors, she added.
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