Fallen soldiers honored at Live Oak Memorial Gardens - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

The community came together for a tribute to fallen soldiers at Live Oak Memorial Gardens in West Ashley. The C.Q. Williams Veterans Memorial American Legion Post 179 hosts this special ceremony for Memorial Day. 

Ellen Matheson and her family come to Live Oak Memorial Gardens every year. Her father George Matheson was an officer in the Coast Guard. 

"He's actually buried right down the aisle here so part of why we come to this memorial day service is makes us feel a little closer to my dad," Matheson said.

If you take a look around the gardens there are more than 300 flags hand placed on the graves of veterans.

"I grew up in the era of the Vietnam War where many people came back and they weren't honored and recognized the way our veterans are now," Matheson said.

There's support from many generations including 12-year-old Alex Johnson who wants to join the Coast Guard.

"I just want to have everyone remember that all the men and women who served for us and gave their lives to protect us and keep our freedom," Johnson said.

During the ceremony wreaths were placed to commemorate the different branches of the military including those who served and died. 

Retired Colonel, Kenneth Morris was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. 

"A lot of folks don't realize when a person goes into war they have made a pact with God and country that no matter what happens they could die and never come back," Col. Morris said.

The Veterans Memorial American Legion recognized and celebrated the dedication of the fallen soldiers that served our country through song and the firing of rifles by the honor guard in a three-volley salute.

"It's nice to see that they're more and more people that do come out to support both the living and the deceased," Matheson said.

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