FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Fort Belvoir Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane was the keynote speaker at the 31st Annual Mount Comfort Cemetery Memorial Day Celebration.
The Memorial Day service was highlighted by the Giovanni McKinney Memorial "Avenue of Flags," in honor and memorial of armed forces veterans.
"We are flying 412 veterans' flags throughout the cemetery today," Donna Meier, cemetery office manager, said. "The Boy Scouts and Belvoir are both here. When we conclude today's festivities, we will take each flag, fold it and put them into individual containers and store them."
Visitors were also able to place a loved one's name on the wall of remembrance if they wished to do so.
"Every year, it grows. I had a gentleman come up to me and shake my hand and told me he was from Arizona," Meier said. "He said he was going to go to Arlington and he saw the flags and he said 'I am delighted I stopped by here.'
"We do this every year and it is truly an honor to do it," Meier said.
Boy Scout Troop 993 began the memorial service by presenting the colors.
Next, Berhane spoke about paying tribute to Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"On this Memorial Day, let us pay tribute to these fallen heroes and to those who are currently
serving in harm's way," Berhane said. "Let us make a personal commitment to do all that we can to support our troops and their families. In this way, we will continue to renew the spirit of involvement, exemplified by those who made the highest sacrifice.
"God bless those who gave their lives and fought for our liberties with their blood and those who protect our freedom and their families," Berhane said.
After his speech, the Boy Scouts retired the colors and attendees were released to observe the memorial presentations available.
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