ROANOKE – Over Memorial Day weekend, many paid tribute to those who serve and protect us. People gathered Saturday at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke to pay their respects.
On Saturday morning, ROTC cadets from Patrick Henry High School placed a flag on each grave. President of Evergreen Memorial Trust Don Wilson said over 4,000 veterans are buried at Evergreen over the past 150 years.
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"Amongst those 4,000 are 63 confederate soldiers and one union soldier,” Wilson said.
A special service was held to honor confederate soldier Sgt William Henry Franklin featuring a civil war reenactment group.
"His service to the confederate cause is important to note and it's just an opportunity to help educate people about a time in history that people need to be educated about. It's all a part of history,” reenactor Doug Camper said.
Although thousands of people pass through the cemetery every year, especially during Memorial Day services, Wilson said it’s important to honor those who have served our country every day.
"Every day is Memorial Day, but especially this weekend when we honor the soldiers who have fought and died for our country, fought for our country and are buried here,” Wilson said.