Las Vegas NowLas Vegas Celebrates Memorial Day

Las Vegas Celebrates Memorial Day

Memorial Day ceremonies were held all over the U.S. and in the Las Vegas valley Monday, honoring those who lost their lives in all the nation's wars.

"This is a day of remembering who we are, and what this country stands for, what we are symbols of. A day where we remember freedom is not free, it costs lives," said retired USMC Sgt. Maj. Henry Campbell.

Sgt. Maj. Campbell still wears his uniform with pride after serving for 30 years. He was one of the many former service members who made sure they attended a Memorial Day ceremony.

In Henderson, Palm Mortuary held its own service. Among those who attended was Sheila Venner. Her husband and son served in the military and she is now president of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Venner wants people to remember that Memorial Day is about more than the holiday. "It's a big day for the start of summer and barbeques. A lot of people forget why we're here and that's to honor those who have gone before us and paid the price so we can do that barbeque," she said.

Both services included the presenting of the colors and the laying of wreaths for our fallen military members.

Several Nevada dignitaries were in Boulder City for that Memorial Day ceremony. The Catholic War Veterans Post 1947 and its auxiliary sponsored the event held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Hundreds of people came to honor the nation's fallen soldiers, including Senator John Ensign, Representatives Dina Titus, Shelley Berkley, and Dean Heller, and the mayor of Boulder City.

A ceremony was also held at the Davis Memorial Park and Cemetery. The number of people attending the service steadily grows year to year. About 150 showed up to pay their respects and honor all service men and women.

The Nellis Air Force Honor Guard were present at the ceremony along with several veterans from the Henderson VFW Post 3848. For many of them it's an emotional day. "I have two very good friends -- friends who are buried here who are veterans, and I have 23 years in the Army. Memorial Day is rather special to me," said Vietnam vet Gary Sunby.

More than 300 veterans are buried at the Davis Memorial Park. Every headstone was graced with an American flag to honor the fallen soldiers.