Fort Lauderdale honors fallen heroes at solemn Memorial Day ceremony

The City of Fort Lauderdale held a ceremony on Memorial Day to honor our fallen service members who died while protecting the United States.

It's a tradition for so many – to start their Memorial Day honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony was held at Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery on 4th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

The city had patriotic tributes, a parade of colors, an Armed Forces salute and an Honor Guard gun salute.

Some of South Florida's local veterans were recognized as well for their service, including a 105-year-old World War II veteran.

"I don't know how to say it, but I'm happy to be here," World War II veteran Donald "Buster" Dennis said.

"He served on two ships there the Firedrake and USS Yorktown he was in the Pacific most of the time and he was also in the Japanese waters when there was still battle," Shari Johnson said.

Johnson says her mom, Buster's wife, was a "Rosie the Riveter" helping build airplane parts in a factory during the war.

"We're a patriotic family and a lot of it has to do because of my dad," Johnson said.

Other veterans were also recognized for their service, like Navy veteran David Cauthen.

"I spent 18 months in Vietnam, and this is just special," Cauthen said.

Cauthen said he lost fellow shipmates during his time in the Navy, and carries their memory with him.

"It's not only about the people that have passed but the families, the families are who we should be praying for and remembering that's what it is," Cauthen said.

A day of remembrance, honoring those who never made it home.

"People died, young people and old people, they deserved to be remembered," said Miramar resident Barbara Johnston.