BEAUMONT, Texas — Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those who died while serving our country. It is also a day to remember prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.
Today at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Beaumont, a ceremony was held to remember the fallen. It was a solemn ceremony and a reminder to never forget.
"They lay the hats down, and they also turn the glasses upside down because their not here to drink or eat with us," said Commander of the Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group Robert Rose.
Veterans of the United States Armed Forces held a prisoner of war and missing in action ceremony at Forest Lawn to remember those who died for our freedom.
"Where military members have given their life. Men, women, it doesn't matter if it was in war, doesn't matter if it's in peace because we always are preparing for war, in order to keep peace," Rose said.
Rose is a Navy veteran from China. It was the loss of his 18-year-old Uncle Robert that inspired him to enlist.
"Uncle on my mother's side, his name was Robert Joseph Oge. And he was a machine gunner with the marines on Okinawa. And when they attacked Sugarloaf Hill, which was one of the most bloody bitter parts of the Okinawa campaign. He lost his life on May 14, 1945," Rose told 12News.
Gold Star families from Southeast Texas payed tribute to the ultimate sacrifice by their relatives. Gold Star families have experienced a loss of a loved one who died as the result of active-duty military service.
"When I walk by his picture in the hallway at my home I'll turn, look at it, and I'll say a prayer. And I'll say thank you," said Rose.
Cheryl Williams is a retired army sergeant and she says everyday people can honor Memorial Day every day too.
"Civilians can get in on it by joining hands with us, joining in the ranks with us and to say you know what, we will never forget the sacrifice," said Williams.
Rose retired with a rank of Ocean Systems, Technician, Petty Officer Second Class. He asks that we continue to remember those who died while protecting and serving our country.