Hundreds Gather In Ft. Lauderdale To Honor Veterans On Memorial Day

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Hundreds gathered in Fort Lauderale Memorial Day morning to honor those who gave their lives in service.

The ceremony, featuring Gen. John E. Kelly from the United States Southern Command, was held at Lauderdale Memorial Park at 9 AM. A second ceremony was held at the Sandy Nininger Statue at Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk at 11 AM.

Katharine Armstrong, Monday morning, carried pictures and medals to honor her husband, a Vietnam veteran who died from exposure to Agent Orange. She was also in attendance to honor her father, who served in the 82^nd airborne during WWII.

"Every child should come to see these things because most of them don't know what this country is all about," said an emotional Armstrong.

Every year, the family of Sergeant Julio Negron who was killed in Iraq, goes to the ceremony every year.

"It brings me back and I can get to touch him at least for a few minutes for the ceremony and bring those pleasant memories," said Jose Negron. "Not only my brother but I lost a couple more soldiers, too."

Many people attend the ceremony year after year in an effort to keep the heroism alive.

READ: Veterans And The Fallen Honored In Miami Beach On Memorial Day