By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
May 27, 2014, 14:39
Prince George honored fallen military personnel on Memorial Day during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Prince George Regional Heritage Center.
Brig. Gen. John P Sullivan, the Chief of Transportation and Transportation School commandant at Fort Lee, spoke at the ceremony, encouraging those in attendance to use the holiday to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and its citizens.
“This is a day intended for all of us to take a collective pause from the business of everyday life. A collective pause in which we give thanks to those service men and women who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of our great nation,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan also spoke on the impact and influence these fallen soldiers have on those currently serving our country
“The service of those who have fallen while defending our nation calls upon those of us currently in uniform to live up to the example they set, during their lives, and the sacrifice they made for our nation. Their example humbles us; it calls us to greater service and commands us never to dishonor their memory,” Sullivan said.
The Honor Guard from Prince George High School participated in the event, with the J.E.J. Moore Middle School Band performing for the crowd.
Names of the servicemen and women were read during the ceremony in order to honor their memory. In attendance were Gold Star families – mothers, father, brothers, sisters, and children of those soldiers lost in battle.
Sullivan spoke to these families in attendance, ensuring that their loved one’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Our solemn commitment to you is that we will never, never forget your loved one’s service to our nation. For the sacrifice they made on behalf of all of our citizens who enjoy the freedoms our nation bestows,” Sullivan said.
Members of the Prince George Board of Supervisors, assisted by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts from the area, placed memorial wreaths at each of the three monuments at the center to honor fallen soldiers.
