Last modified Wed., May 28, 2008 - 05:15 PM
Originally created Thursday, May 29, 2008

Honoring those who served

VETERANS: Honored by officials at wall in downtown Jacksonville

By MC3 Elisha Dawkins , Fleet Public Affairs Center, Detachment Southeast

Sailors from VS-22, stand in tribute of a fallen sailor, AM1 Roderick C. Carnes, during the Memorial Day Observance at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Jacksonville.
MC3 Elisha Dawkins

In recognition of fallen heroes from World War I to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of all military branches and their families paid homage at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Jacksonville Monday during the annual Memorial Day event.

"This ceremony is for those who have passed and given their lives for freedom- but every time we gather on this special day, it shows that we are united in our efforts to protect our country, day in and day out," said Rear Adm. Michael Vitale, commander Navy Region Southeast.

The names of four military members who lost their lives while serving their country were added to the wall last week. Family and friends of Army Sgt. Darren Patrick Hubbell Sr., 38; Army Spc. Jeremiah Chaim Hughes, 26; Army Spc. Donald Valentine III, 21; and AM1 Roderick "Rory" Charles Carnes Jr., 35, were recognized during the ceremony.

(From right) Rear Adm. Michael Vitale, his wife Debbie and Capt. Jack Scorby, Jr., commander, NAS Jacksonville, joined city and state leaders to honor fallen heroes at the Veterans Memorial Wall.
MC3 Elisha Dawkins

Veterans, community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude for the sacrifices the men made for their country in the war on terrorism.

"Jacksonville's Memorial Wall is a special place for civilians and members of the military to come and pay their respects to those who paid that ultimate price for us to live free in this great country," said Vitale.

Vitale joined Rear Adm. James Stevenson, commander, U. S. Naval Forces Southern Command, Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton to present wreaths to fallen heroes in observance of their sacrifice.

"Our military is such an important part of preserving America's freedom. I am really grateful we have such a huge military presence Northeast Florida," said Peyton.

According to Dan McCarthy, the city's director of military affairs, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall is second in size only to the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial.

Capt. Ward Stevens, commander, NSB Kings Bay, and a relative of fallen hero, Army Sgt. Darren P. Hubbell, salute his memorial wreath at the Jacksonville Veterans Wall.
MC3 Elisha Dawkins

Members of the Northeast Florida Veterans Council and the Patriot Guard Riders formed the Veterans Color Guard.
MC3 Elisha Dawkins