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In keeping with a time-honored tradition, members of Disabled American Veterans Beaufort County Chapter 48 honored the legacy of America’s fallen service members Monday during its annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Aided by Boy Scout Troop 21, the Iron Order Skeleton Crew and the City of Washington, DAV held a service ripe with meaning and symbolism. The ceremony’s theme, “For the Fallen,” elaborated on the traditions that Americans use to honor those who were killed in the line of duty.

From the battlefield cross, the makeshift marker used in the aftermath of battle to commemorate a soldier’s sacrifice, to the missing man table, a somber dining space set in honor of the fallen, missing in action and prisoners of war, each piece of the service spoke in some way to the honoring of those who did not come home.

“We use this ceremony to not only honor our fallen heroes, but to educate the public on the importance of the traditions and ceremonies have in honoring the military men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” said DAV Chapter 48 Commander Juanita White. “Today, even with the current situation, we want to continue showing you the importance of these customs and ceremonies.”

This year’s service, though not open to the public due to COVID-19, was recorded and can be viewed in its entirety on the City of Washington NC Facebook page @CityOfWashingtonNC.