Phoenix VA attends ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery
The Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System attended a Memorial Day ceremony at The National Memorial Cemetery, honoring Veterans that gave their all, May 29.
The event featured live music from the 108th Army National Guard Band, a flyover from the Phoenix Stearman Group, a speech from Gov. Katie Hobbs, and a keynote speech from U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. R.J. Mitchell, and a wreathe presentation from various Veteran organizations, including the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System.
“We’re here at the Memorial Day event celebrating our nation’s heroes who didn’t get to come home,” said Michael Welsh, Phoenix Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center Deputy Director. “Seeing the cemetery with thousands and thousands of flags - it’s such a humbling event. It reminds you of why we do what we do, because we have to take care of those who have made it back. We have to take care of those who are struggling and have made it back and serve our country still in different ways, and we at the VA have to serve them.”
The ceremony, which was open to the public, brought out many Veterans and their families to pay their respects for the those who gave it all.
“I have tried to get out to this service for years now, but I’ve always had to work,” said Loel Larzelere, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran 1974 to 1978. “This is the first time in 11 years that I haven’t had to work. I don’t know if I know anybody out here or not, but I had to do it to honor them. I get out here at other times when it’s more quiet to show my respects, but I really wanted to attend this ceremony.”
Each grave was adorned with a miniature American flag in keeping with Memorial Day tradition. Many of these traditions are honoring those who have been forgotten, and for many of the Veterans attending, they feel the same sentiment to honor those who never made it home.
“I think the real heroes are the ones that never came back,” said William Beaudoin, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran 1968 to 1972, deployed to Vietnam 1968 and 1969. “Guys like me, I was a nobody. I was a grunt. I was a ‘take the hill guy.’ Nobody knew who I was. Like a lot of these men who never came home, nobody knew us. I come here to honor Veterans of all wars, and I believe to this day that the Veteran is the most important person that walks this earth. From the Revolutionary War to whatever war may come. I am here to salute all Veterans.”