Hundreds of people gathered at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Monday for the annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor the nation’s deceased servicemen and women.

• The event, organized by the Beal Memorial Veterans Tribute Tower FWB committee, featured a roll call of the deceased, where the names of veterans who have passed away were recognized. Members of the public were invited to add carnations to the community wreath for service members they wished to honor.

Notable attendees included Mel Ponder, President of Northwest Florida State College, Representative Patt Maney, and Col. Griffin Merrill with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Eglin Air Force Base 96th Test Wing Commander Brig. General Mark Massaro served as the guest speaker for the ceremony.

“As we remember, revere and express our gratitude today, let us carry with us the memory of those we honor,” Massaro said. “Let us remember their courage, their selflessness, and their unwavering dedication to our nation. Let us strive to be worthy of their sacrifice, and never let us forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.”