As America dives into its 250th anniversary celebrations, this year’s Memorial Day commemorations returned a solemn focus on those who gave their lives for the country.
At Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors, patriotic music filled the air and a fallen soldier ceremony noted the mood of the day. Memorial Day is last Monday in May and honors those who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. The first national observance was in 1868.
In nearby Bonita Springs, officials included a 21-gun salute, the laying of wreaths and guest speaker retired U.S. Navy Lt. Raymond Sandelli at the Liles Hotel Lawn.
A vigil at Arlington National Cemetery set for Monday night included a tribute to two soldiers, including Cape Coral Capt. Daniel Eggers, who died in Afghanistan in 2004.
Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters at news-press.com or naplesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Patriotism on full display as America honors war dead
Reporting by Stacey Henson, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
