Gone but not forgotten: Memorial Day ceremonies held across Triangle to honor fallen

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Multiple events were held Monday in central North Carolina for Memorial Day, which is dedicated to honoring the men and women who gave their lives to protect the United States of America.

Durham County Veteran Services observed the special day during a ceremony that took place at 9 a.m. on the fourth floor of the County Administration II building on East Main Street.

The sound of Taps accompanied the placement of a wreath at memorials honoring those who died during wartime. The names of 375 war casualties from Durham were also read aloud.

Relatives, partners and friends of those who gave all paused to appreciate their sacrifice.

"I was amazed at how many have served here in Durham and have lost their lives," said Motiryo Keambiroiro.

Durham County also commemorated those who are considered missing in action as well.

"He always believed he fought for the country, and he left that with his children, always indebted to those who have given their lives to serve," Marie Hill-Faison said about her father who was killed in World War 2.

Garner held its annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 29, at 9:30 a.m. at the Garner Veterans Memorial at Lake Benson Park on Buffaloe Road.

Weather forced the ceremony to move under a shelter, but it did not dampen the gratitude of those in attendance.

The ceremony Monday specifically recognized Major David Pittard, a Garner native who died in the Vietnam War. His family was there to accept two flags from representatives of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

In Raleigh, the Tar Heel Detachment #733 Marine Corps League held a ceremony at the State Capitol at around noon.

Historic Oakwood Cemetery held a tribute ceremony at 4 p.m. in the new Veterans' Field of Honor located within the cemetery.

In Cary, dedication happened at the Blue Star Memorial at Veterans Freedom Park.

A ceremony was hosted by the Apex American Legion at the Downtown Service Memorial on the corner of Salem Street and Saunders Street.

In Roxboro, a groundbreaking for a new reflection pool took place at Person County Veterans Memorial Park on South Morgan Street from 10-11 a.m.

At Freedom Memorial Park in Fayetteville a ceremony was also held.