Memorial Day 2008 in Naples, Florida
Memorial Day 2008 in Naples, Florida started with ceremonies at the Naples Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery in North Naples. The service was unique in that we honored a local hero that we lost on January 19th in Al Jabour, Iraq. A special presentation was made of a wreath and memorial flag in honor of Specialist Richard B. Burress, U.S. Army. Burress was a member of the 1st Battalion, 30th Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID. The service was both wonderful and sad. Many, many memories were held in the thoughts of the veterans who were able to attend and share the day in honoring their fallen comrades. You can read more about Memorial Day at this link. Here are a few photos from this morning. All Photos: Copyright 2008 Rick Bethem.
Many veterans paid tribute.
Grave of a Air Force Staff Sargent who
served in three wars.
A rifle salute to the fallen.
Robert McDonald, Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Corps (Retired)
played taps.
A veteran slowly makes his way home from the
Memorial Day service.
We later went down to the Naples Pier where rows of crosses stood tall on the beach to represent those who have lost their lives in Iraq. The names of all 4,079 heroes were read aloud. The photo below shows a mourner who tried to fine solace amongst the crosses.
Photos: Copyright 2008 Rick Bethem