Fallen service members honored at Memorial Day events

Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force took part in Memorial Day observations across Virginia as well as overseas May 30, 2022. “Memorial Day offers us a purposeful opportunity express our gratitude and remember the dedication and courage of those men and women who paid the ultimate price in service to our country defending the ideals of freedom,” Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, wrote in his Memorial Day message. “As we remember those we have lost, we can honor their memory and pay tribute to their sacrifice by reaffirming our commitment to selfless service to both commonwealth and country.” At the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony in Richmond, Virginia, Williams delivered remarks and laid a wreath at the Shrine of Memory honoring VNG Soldiers and Airmen along with Senior Master Sgt. Roberto Mercado. Maj. Brett Johnson, VNG chaplain, gave the invocation and benediction, Spc. Adam Marcus led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mercado sang the national anthem. Members of the Virginia Defense Force volunteered their time to assist with access control for the ceremony.

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Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams and Senior Master Sgt. Roberto Mercado lay a wreath at the Shrine of Memory at the Virginia War Memorial during the Commonwealth’s 66th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30, 2022, in Richmond, Virginia.