South MS braves heavy rain, honors fallen service members at Memorial Day service

Despite inclement weather, dozens gathered at Biloxi National Cemetery for an annual ceremony to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.

The ceremony was led by Master Sgt. Brian Lake and included remarks from Albert Maxwell, the director of the Biloxi National Cemetery; and Col. Christopher Robinson, Commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base. “As we come together on this Memorial Day, we pause, reflect and honor those that gave their lives in service to the United States” Robinson said.

Throughout the Robinson’s keynote, he emphasized duty, service, integrity, honor and courage the core values of service members as “the DNA of the heroes we honor today.” “Our fallen heroes embodied our values and met the moment when called upon,” Robinson said.

At the end of the ceremony, a white wreath was presented to members of gold star families, the immediate family members of those who have died in military service. Following the ceremony, attendees left the cemetery or dispersed to pay their respects to fallen service members.

Brian Nunez was one of the attendees who later visited the tombstone of his father, John Nunez Sr., who served in World War II and his mother, Lillian Nunez. For Nunez, it was “impactful” to see people come to the ceremony. “With everything going on today, we need to unify, because freedom ain’t free,” Nunez said.

Nunez also felt it was “important” for events like the Memorial Day ceremony to keep its serious tone as people remember fallen service members. “It’s very important for the younger generation to remember why we’re here today,” Nunez said. “It’s not just having fun and eating crawfish.”

See our favorite photos from the ceremony below.