SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - A number of Memorial Day ceremonies took place over the weekend and more were set for Monday to honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
In Rehoboth Beach Monday morning, the American Legion hosted its annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center beginning at 11 a.m. To Tom Dahl, a commander from American Legion Post 5, it's important to use this holiday to remember the people who gave their lives to protect American freedoms, something he said is sometimes lost in conversation.
"It's a day that we take a little bit of time to remember how great a country this is and why it is," Dahl said. "It's from these people that we've earned that."
In addition to the laying of the wreaths, the Gay Women of Rehoboth honored women in particular who lost their lives fighting for the country. That event began at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 9 a.m.
"It's about time we recognize women for their service. It's really heartwarming," said veteran Deb Knickerbocker from Rehoboth Beach. "There were times early on where it was very clear that we were not welcomed. We were there, but we were not welcomed."
Another Memorial Day service took place at 11 a.m. on the Bethany Beach boardwalk with the VFW Post 7234 from Ocean View. On Tuesday the post will have a dedication ceremony for Memorial Park.
Over the weekend, a number of other events took place. Saturday saw Wreaths on the River at the Nanticoke River in Seaford. On Sunday in Georgetown local veterans' groups and service organizations gathered to pay tribute to those who died in past and recent wars.