Hundreds of people gathered at the Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall in downtown Jacksonville Monday for the city’s Memorial Day Observance ceremony.
Five new names have been added to the wall.
All branches of the United States military were well represented at the ceremony. Current and former members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the Coast Guard, their families, and members of the public came to honor Duval County veterans who died in service to their country.
Florida National Guard Adjutant Gen. Michael Calhoun announced those most recently taken:
Byron Plapp
Buddy Dallas
Francisco Castillo
Shawn McCann
KeithLisante
Then, he addressed their families and friends in attendance. “There are few words that will ease your pain. We mourn with you. But in doing so we must never forget the patriotism and dedication that every name on this wall and on every headstone throughout our national cemeteries represents,” Calhoun said.
More than 1,700 names are on the Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall at 1145 E. Adams St.