- September 25, 2024
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A Memorial Day Service was held at Rockefeller Gardens May 26 to remember those who lost their lives serving our country.
Before the boat trips and beach outings, Ormond Beach residents took some time this Memorial Day to remember those who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
Hosted by the City of Ormond Beach Department of Leisure Services, Memorial Remembrance Committee and American Legion Post 267, the 24th annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service was held at Rockefeller Gardens.
Mayor Ed Kelley made the Memorial Day proclamation.
"Memorial Day, formally known as Declaration Day, is a patriotic day to honor American soldiers that have given their lives to honor their country," Kelley said. "Where as The first declaration of today was observed on May 30, 1868. The purpose of that was for placing flowers and otherwise decorating the graves of those who died during the Civil War. As we observe Memorial Day we remember the more than 1 million that died to preserve our freedom and made that ultimate sacrifice. These men and women put their country before their own personal safety."
The Daytona Beach Concert Band, conducted by Charles Long, filled the park with patriotic music as local troops and veterans marched around the crowd.
Major Patricia Hayden of the Critical Care Air Transport Team was the guest speaker and talked about the amazing men and women she has met during her time in the service. She has flown more than 100 hours transporting and taking care of critically wounded soldiers.
Guests of the ceremony were given carnations to lay beside the Memorial Marker to thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"These men and women pledge themselves to the continuation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Mayor Kelley said, "for all Americans and should be recognized as defenders of our freedom on all fronts. We gratefully acknowledge that we live in freedom today becauhttp://www.ormondbeachobserver.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=26057&action=editse of the sacrifices that have been made and are still being made by our service men and women. We pray that one day will come when freedom and liberty will prevail without that ultimate sacrifice having to be made."