By Ashley McLeod, Senior staff writer
Jun 11, 2016, 11:36
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The rainy skies Monday added to the solemn mood of the day, but didn’t keep city residents from coming together for Memorial Day.
The weather moved the ceremony from the War Memorial on the Boulevard to the Colonial Heights American Legion, and at the gathering, Colonial Heights residents remembered fallen soldiers from the area by showing Fallen Heroes Banners.
“The service members we honor today come from all walks of life, but they share the same fundamental qualities. They possess character, pride, dedication to duty, integrity, and all the qualities needed to serve a greater cause than one’s self,” said 1st Sgt. Ivan D. Helms, the guest speaker at the ceremony.
The banners featured soldiers whose lives were lost in service and were presented by the Delta Co. 832nd OD BN of Fort Lee.
Representatives from several different groups placed wreaths in front of the crowd, also in remembrance of those fallen soldiers.
The ceremony was a time not only to remember, but to reflect on the past, and what those serving our country gave up to join the military and protect our lives.
“They didn’t go because they loved to fight, they went because they were called to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” said Helms. “They wanted to protect the nation, which has given them, given us, so much.”
The Legion also set up what is known as the Fallen Comrade Table, to serve as a reminder of those lost in combat.
The different items on the table symbolize something having to do with serving in the military, and the fallen soldier.
