PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It was a moment to reflect, remember and pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.
On Sunday, Laurel Hill Cemetery hosted a Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who died in service to the United States.
The cemetery was the first place in Philadelphia to celebrate the holiday in 1868, when it was known as “Decoration Day.”
The tradition continued on Sunday as community members gathered to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Joseph Broderick, who served in the military, said ceremonies like this are important for all of us to remember the impact fallen service members have had on the lives of all Americans.
‘You can’t forget them. They made the ultimate sacrifice. What more can you ask for?’ he said. “This is probably the best part of Memorial Day weekend for me.”
Laurel Hill Cemetery is home to more than 2,000 known veterans, and more than 90 are buried in unmarked graves.
Each year the cemetery makes it a priority to mark at least two of the graves in an effort to recognize their service to the country.
More unmarked graves are discovered in the cemetery every year, Laurel Hill tour guide Russell Dodge said.
Dodge dedicates his time to ensuring that fallen veterans are not forgotten.
“It’s up to us to keep their memory alive,” he said. “They gave their lives so that we could do what we do, live our lives, and it behooves us to honor them.”
And it is his hope that those who paid the ultimate price will be celebrated not just one day a year, but every day.
