Thousands Gather for Memorial Day Ceremony at National Cemetery
By Courtney Gilmore and Jeff Smith ••
The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was open to the public for a Memorial Day ceremony Monday.
The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was open to the public for a Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning.
Ceremony highlights included keynote remarks from Colonel Bruce R. Cox, a Fort Worth native, music from the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division Band, the color guard, a rife salute and a wreath placement.
Hundreds are expected to gather at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony.
Before the ceremony started, many families traveled to the cemetery to remember their loved ones lost to war.
Regina Murguia was visiting her late husband, John, who died five years ago.
"It's hard to come out here," she said. "It's just so pretty out here and it's beautiful and you feel so peaceful when you're out here."
Army veterans Gary Christopher Jr. and his father also visited. They said they appreciate the appreciation for veterans.
"Those who have served in the military," Christopher Sr. said. "I'm sure they're glad to see this respect given to those who have fallen."
Sarah Lay
Memorial Day picture My daughter, Sophie, at her great grandfathers (Bill Kilgore Sr) grave. He passed away when she was a month old. He waited for her to be born before he passed away, she was his last great grandchild. Thanks,Sarah Lay
Memorial Day My husband & I Paying respect to my Grandpa Harry Lee Bumgardner. Gary & Melody Shipman from Tolar, Texas
Memorial Day My husband & I Paying respect to my Grandpa Harry Lee Bumgardner. Gary & Melody Shipman from Tolar, Texas
Memorial Day My husband & I Paying respect to my Grandpa Harry Lee Bumgardner. Gary & Melody Shipman from Tolar, Texas
Memorial Day My husband & I Paying respect to my Grandpa Harry Lee Bumgardner. Gary & Melody Shipman from Tolar, Texas
Memorial Day My husband & I Paying respect to my Grandpa Harry Lee Bumgardner. Gary & Melody Shipman from Tolar, Texas
Shelley Kelly
Honoring her Hero on Memorial Day My daughter Skyler Kelly hugging her daddy Hero of Denton layed to rest on 9-11-12 at DFW National cemetery
Shelley Kelly
Honoring their daddy on Memorial Day Skyler and Samantha Kelly visiting their daddy to Honor him on Memorial Day .. Local hero of Denton layed to rest at the DFW national cemetery ..
Kelly Spurlock
Memorial Day pic Kennedy and Michael Spurlock visiting their grandmother at DFW National cemetery.
Allison Dale
Memorial Day honors My grandson and his Cub Scout pack placed flags on graves at Mansfield Cemetery.
Burt
Memorial Day picture Supporting all men and women in uniform
Ruann Moody
"Never too young to remember."
Burt
Wishing well Best wishes on Memorial Day
Denise Petty
Bob Patterson - Bedford
Denise Petty
Bedford pic 2
Smith, Sabreana
TMSG: NeSmith Elementary Memorial Day Ceremony with Former Navy Seal Scott Phillips Veterans, parents, teachers, students and staff participated in the first NeSmith Never Forgets Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at NeSmith Elementary in Lavon, Texas. The event was put on by the NeSmith PTO and featured special guest speaker former Navy Seal Scott Phillips of Wylie speaking to the over
Smith, Sabreana
TMSG: NeSmith Elementary Memorial Day Ceremony with Former Navy Seal Scott Phillips Veterans, parents, teachers, students and staff participated in the first NeSmith Never Forgets Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at NeSmith Elementary in Lavon, Texas. The event was put on by the NeSmith PTO and featured special guest speaker former Navy Seal Scott Phillips of Wylie speaking to the over
Smith, Sabreana
TMSG: NeSmith Elementary Memorial Day Ceremony with Former Navy Seal Scott Phillips Veterans, parents, teachers, students and staff participated in the first NeSmith Never Forgets Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at NeSmith Elementary in Lavon, Texas. The event was put on by the NeSmith PTO and featured special guest speaker former Navy Seal Scott Phillips of Wylie speaking to the over
Smith, Sabreana
TMSG: NeSmith Elementary Memorial Day Ceremony with Former Navy Seal Scott Phillips Veterans, parents, teachers, students and staff participated in the first NeSmith Never Forgets Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at NeSmith Elementary in Lavon, Texas. The event was put on by the NeSmith PTO and featured special guest speaker former Navy Seal Scott Phillips of Wylie speaking to the over
Smith, Sabreana
TMSG: NeSmith Elementary Memorial Day Ceremony with Former Navy Seal Scott Phillips Veterans, parents, teachers, students and staff participated in the first NeSmith Never Forgets Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at NeSmith Elementary in Lavon, Texas. The event was put on by the NeSmith PTO and featured special guest speaker former Navy Seal Scott Phillips of Wylie speaking to the over
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
Yvette A. Lack
untitled This weekend and through this Monday, people all over this country, have and will be remembering those who have served this great country. It is great that volunteers have placed our nations flag on the graves of those who have served and gave there all, so we could have the awesome privilege of freedom. Although, I live in a large city, I celebrate, remember, hold in reverence and at times shed tears participating with the small town of Springtown, TX. Usually I do this alone without the attendance of my family. Not that my family doesn't honor or remember, on Memorial day, those who have served and fallen. They do, most certainly. Its my choice, to take a part, of this small town it will be in my, memories to carry with me the rest of my days.Recently, I have become aware of the non profit organization called, Carry The Load. I erge you to research this program, as it is a great way to donate, to help many of those who have served this country. Not limiting, just to the military, but to also help Fireman and many more who serve and put there lifes on the line for others. Over the last 15 years or so my husband has had to work on this holiday. But this year we have had the pleasure of volunteering to help our dear friends clean up and place flags on the graves of those who served or was KIA at Willow Point Cemetery located in Jack County on FM 2210. This cemetery host a wide range of the graves placed there from most all conflicts. From the Texas Fight for our I dependence, to the Civil War and more recent the war in Iraq, better known as Iraqi Freedom. It so did my heart good to do this and see my husband taking a part. As we were out there yesterday evening, two women were also there honoring there loved ones, remembering. They asked me, who was my family that was buried there. I said no one. I think they were puzzled at my answer. I was just there because my friends who are on the committee or board or something like that had a volunteer job to do and I
steelesid
Boat with flags
Lisa Hamilton
Dog Days of Summer Rouen & Mason @ Lone Star Park for Lone Star Bark!
The cemetery spans 638 acres and is one of six national cemeteries in Texas.
Memorial Day was originally coined “Decoration Day,” which served as a time to remember those who died or were wounded in battle. National cemeteries around the country paid tribute and honor our veterans.
Many visitors said this was the most crowded they've seen the cemetery in many years.
"This is by far the most people I’ve seen out here in a long time," said Cheri Henrise. "Actually, I can't ever remember that it's been this crowded.
Henrise came to the cemetery to honor her high-school friend, Pfc. Eric Lincoln, and Iraq War combat veteran. He died in 2010.
"He should be celebrated, his life should be celebrated," Henrise said. "He should be remembered, like everyone here should be remembered."
Henrise said she visits his grave every year because it's important to her that his life be remembered.
"I just remember the good times that we had. I don’t really say much, there’s a bench right there, and I just sit and think."
The recent storms meant the grounds at the cemetery were very wet and the grass was soggy.
Because of that, it appears there was more limited parking inside the cemetery gates this Memorial Day than in years past, because of a risk of cars getting stuck.
Hundreds of families parked up and down nearby side streets and walked, some up to a mile in the heat and high humidity to pay their respects for lost loved ones, friends and strangers.
"It got hot here really fast," said Lonnie McCloud. "But it's worth the long walk. It's very much worth that walk."
JR Rodriguez brought his 8-month-old daughter Julia to see her grandfather for the first time.
Toby Soliz fought in Korea for the U.S. Army, and died many years ago.
"It makes me feel good, and I'm honored," Rodriguez said. "I'm honored to see a good veteran, a good man. Bringing her in his presence is a good thing."
Many carried flowers to the cemetery, others flags, some, just a prayer in their heart.
"For every teenager it should be important to know who has died for our freedom in past years, and to honor those people," said 16-year-old DJ Kurthenbach, who attended the ceremony and honor the sacrifices of the veterans.
Lonnie McCloud's brother is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq.
Jerrel Mitchell died last month after a sudden heart attack.
The funeral here at DFW National Cemetery last month was a quiet affair.
But now--just a few weeks later--Jerrel's family is joined by thousands of others, all united in their desire to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of these American heroes.
"I'm just happy to be here, to support everyone that's out here," McCloud said. "I feel at peace."
And on the long walk back to his car, McCloud said he was struck by a thought that will stay with him for many months to come.
"I’m looking at all these nationalities, everybody that’s American, and all these people that fought just to make sure we have the freedoms that we have," he said. "And that’s wonderful, that’s beautiful."
