Hundreds remember fallen heroes at Gastonia Memorial Day service

GASTONIA, N.C. — Hundreds of people met Monday at Gaston Memorial Park surrounded by a lawn of military graves, short American flags and red roses to honor those lost.

The Gaston Veterans Council put on the Memorial Day service.

Larry McBee, a Marine who served from 1955 to 1959, sat in a folding chair flanked by fellow veterans.

"Hundreds of people (are here) and that makes me happy to see them come out like that," McBee said.

Sen. Richard Burr, R - North Carolina, delivered a speech during the program. He commented on the fact that there weren't more young people at the service.

"We have to remind them of the responsibilities we have as Americans to remember those who have sacrificed most, and more importantly, to be part of the change and the solutions in every community around this country," Burr said.

The event featured a presentation of casket, wreaths and performances by the Gaston Symphonic Band.

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