Veteran Mac McCarl salutes at the end of the ceremony. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
American Legion Post 177 and VFW Post 8469 held their annual Memorial Day ceremony, Monday, May 29, on the Fairfax City Hall portico. Dignitaries attending included Del. David Bulova (D-37), state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34), Fairfax City Manager Bob Sisson, Councilmen Jeff Greenfield and Michael DeMarco, and School Board Chairman Jon Buttram.
“Fairfax County was always a crossroads for the nation,” said Petersen. “This community has been touched and formed by heroism, so it’s an honor to be here today [to remember our fallen veterans].” Noting the freedoms Americans enjoy, he said, “We celebrate the sacrifices that made them possible and thank those who served and those who didn’t come back.”
Agreeing, Councilman Michael DeMarco said, “There’s no measure of gratitude [large enough] that we can give for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and who’ve made us strong, brave and free.”
Councilman Jeff Greenfield said, “We have to also remember and continue fighting for the men and women who continue fighting for our country. We must also remember their families, plus the families who still grieve for those who haven’t come home.” Then attendees took turns reading the names of the City and county residents who’ve died in conflicts from WWI through the current Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.