SUMTER, S.C. — A Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Sumter County Veteran's Association attracted dozens of veterans and others in honor of our nation's fallen military.
Many dressed in patriotic colors, hats and shirts commemorating their time in the service.
Multiple speakers came to the stage, each sharing a similar theme of remembrance.
Remembering those who fought and died for our freedom, their families and sharing their stories to the next generation.
"We don't need to look very far in everyday life for reminders of those heroes who have enabled us to have the freedoms that we have today," Maj. Gen. Scott Zobrist said. "It's in our homes; it's in our jobs.... it's in the city and county around us..... We have all of this because the heroes throughout our American history have made that ultimate sacrifice."
Heroes like Lafayette B. Adams, Vivian Moses and John Hughie Geddings. They're all local veterans who died in service and who's names live on in memory in the Mabry Memorial.
During the ceremony families of those listed in the memorial were recognized, along with the families of war prisoners.
"We have told our veterans that's gone before us that we love you, we miss you, and, for your sacrifice and your service, we're here and this is your day," Danny Williams said.
After the ceremony, many went to the Southside Gym.
Organizers say hundreds gathered there for food and family, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The event was hosted in-part by Councilman Calvin Hasty. He said members of Shaw Air Force base Presented the Colors as dozens of veterans stood in formation by war.
Each of those veterans were pinned with a flag and a few senior veterans were recognized for their service.
Hasty says he hoped this annual event would help those, and especially children, remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
"It's about educating the young people in this community about Memorial Day, about military service, about service to this nation," Hasty said.