Chambersburg Residents Say Thank You to Those who Served

Two skydivers started the ceremony as hundreds gathered in Parklawn Memorial Gardens to pay tribute to thousands of lives that have been lost from the area. Organizers of the event said its the least they can do for the community. "Its amazing, its a lot of work and just the thank yous that we get from them is worth it, besides knowing that we are doing it for our veterans," said Gail Anderson, General Manager of Parklawn Memorial Garden. Ian Preece, 21, of Charlie Troop C is a member of the National Guard and spoke to the crowd about the importance of the day. Preece was grateful for all the thank yous he received. "It makes me definitely value what I am doing. It lets me know that I am doing a good service to the country and its good to get a thank you. It feels nice," said Preece. Members of VFW Post 1599 added to the ceremony with a 20-gun salute and the playing of taps. The ritual wasnt the only thing worth taking in. "Beyond over 1,000 war time flag holders at the individual grave sites, we have 169 of the large flags flying throughout the cemetery. They are the actual flags; most of them from the internments of our lost veterans," said Anderson. Memorial Days origins stem from the Civil War and the countrys need to recognize the soldiers who fought and died. It was first known as Decoration Day and later became known as Memorial Day. It was declared a federal holiday by President Nixon. Reported by Gretchen Gailey" New War Memorial Dedicated in Martinsburg,1148939768,1148939768,"[img align=left]http://www.nbc25.com/main/uploads/sabraham_1148941647_memorial-wall.gif[/img]MARTINSBURG, WV- Its been a long wait in Martinsburg for a new war memorial but on Memorial Day it was finally dedicated.