Memorial Day observances held across Middle Tennessee

It’s always the last Monday in May, a day set aside to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in our nation’s military.

Observances include the annual service at the Nashville National Cemetery in Madison. More than 36,000 service members and their spouses are buried there.

Mid-state boy and girl scouts placed flags on the grave of every single service member.

“This cemetery is the final resting place for 16,000 Civil War Soldiers. We maintain everyone of their graves to this day and will continue caring for their grave sites and every grave site for every veteran interred here forever,” said Curtis Langer, the Assistant Director of the Nashville National Cemetery.

Former Tennessee Commissioner of Veteran’s Affairs, Fred Tucker, served as emcee for the ceremony.

“Many of us have seen the rockets’ red glare. Many of us have lost loved ones and dear friends in service,” Tucker said.

The Nashville Community Concert Band plaid the national anthem.

The ceremony included a 21-gun salute and Taps by members of the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Other mid-state Memorial Day observances include an afternoon service in Franklin.

Rich Krejsa, a Vietnam War veteran, was the guest speaker. He got emotional telling the crowd about two uncles he never met who died serving in World War II. Krejsa said that sacrifice should be remembered every day. “I hope that this Summer before people go out to a BBQ, cookout or go to the beach that they take a moment to think about those we have lost because of war,” Kreja said.