PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Millions of people across the country marked Memorial Day by honoring those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
Communities here in South Florida are joining them in those patriotic ceremonies, paying tribute to our fallen heroes.
One of those ceremonies Monday was at Donnith H. Fletcher Park in Pembroke Pines.
The city’s annual ceremony honored the men and women who died defending our country.
“Memorial Day should be about those people that gave their (lives) for the country,” veteran Joel Dokson said.
Veteran Teddy Pomerantz echoed that sentiment.
“That’s the main thing that people need to think about,” he said. “It’s not a big holiday to go out and party or anything. It’s about more reflect on our fallen heroes.”
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In attendance were members of the city’s fire department and police department, as well as residents and elected leaders all there to honor the sacred dead whose hard work and dedication allowed for our freedom.
“It is a sad day because we miss them and know that they will come no more,” Pembroke Pines Vice Mayor Thomas Good Jr., a Navy veteran, said during the ceremony.
Vietnam veterans received a special thank you and to pay homage, carnations were placed on a wreath, symbolizing honor for those who passed away.
Dokson described the ceremony as “very moving.”
“A lot of the speeches were very heartfelt,” he said.
Tributes were also held in Coral Springs, Key West and Miami Beach.
For some enjoying the time off work, the day is personal.
Eric Solomon, visiting Miami Beach with his daughters, said he comes from a long line of military members.
“It’s more time reflecting, remembering them as individuals and thinking about the great things they did for the country,” Solomon said.
And while the holiday is to remember those who lost their lives, some said they also want to honor the living.
Urell Barrett, walking Ocean Drive with family, said he made a point this weekend to visit his uncle in Fort Lauderdale. Barrett said uncle Jerry Pinchinat, a Haitian-American Navy man, is a source of great pride for the family.
“It means a lot for the United States as well, not just me,” Barrett said.