TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and state leaders gathered at a local cemetery to remember some of our heroes this Memorial Day.
Several salutes went up for the more than 200 African American heroes laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery.
State Senator Al Lawson organized the services after he learned last year that veterans buried at this site weren’t having the flags updated at their markers in the same manner as those at the national cemetery on Appalachee parkway.
”We have over 200 veterans men and women who are buried here that served in the Armed Forces and was kind of like the forgotten military people, said Lawson. “And so when I found out about it last year, it came out, I decided that I would get community leaders that want to come out and help so we could honor them on Memorial Day.”
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and city commissioners were among the attendees.
“It’s important to come out and pay our respects to those who gave their lives for our country, who fought hard and fought with honor,” said Mayor Dailey.
Commissioner Elaine Bryant added, ““We have really gone around the cemetery to identify the greatest of those who have served our country and we acknowledge and recognize them today for giving their lives such that we might have privileges that we would not have had.”
Tallahassee’s Buffalo Soldiers attended the event as well, along with Faith leaders like Rev. Dr. Anton G. Elwood of New Mt. Zion AME church.
“These individuals have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives fighting for our freedom and our country and it is a must that we come under the leadership of congressman Lawson, to pay homage and show some love,” said Rev. Elwood.
Lawson said in closing, “ I hope that during this pandemic situation that people will realize that it’s more than just a holiday but we’re celebrating those who have been in harms way and sacrifice for all of us and everybody in America needs to give thanks to them.”
