A large crowd gathered to remember and celebrate the men and women in the armed forces who have given their lives for their country.

Addressing the crowd was Jim Looby, Chaplain, U.S. Navy Retired.  Looby (pictured at top) spoke of the more than 450 who have given their lives just this year alone as he showed the crowd a current copy of the Navy Times, full of the pictures of the men and women who gave their lives this year in service to their country.

“These are the faces of the young men and women of all races and ethnicities, from every state in the Union – I’m not sure exactly what the number is – 450 something, I think, this year.  Page after page of men and women who died this year,” said Looby.  “Some of them (died) in Afghanistan, some in Iraq, but all for country.  That is why we are here.  We will not forget.”

Veterans of all ages were present along with gold star families who have lost loved ones in battle.

Looby also spoke to the crowd about gathering to honor the fallen and how it is a privilege to praise, pray and even weep together with one another.

“We are a grateful nation, we remember the fallen and their families,” said Looby stating that this in itself is a patriotic act.  He explained that honoring the fallen gives him hope to know that the backbone of the nation is still strong.

Taps was played along with a bagpipe version of Amazing Grace to close the program.

The VFW shared the history of Memorial Day on the program, stating that it was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.  It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.  By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.  The south refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.  It is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971).

Additional photos and video of the program are below.

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Crowd gathers for program.

Gold Star families recognized for their families’ ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans salute as the colors are posted.

Taps is played.

VFW Members