TAMPA, Fla. -- The rainy weather moved a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony indoors Sunday morning, but that didn't stop people from showing up.
- Memorial Day remembrance ceremony held in Tampa
- People paid tribute to fallen service members
- National Moment of Remembrance to be held Monday at 3 p.m.
It was standing room only as people paid tribute to their fallen heroes at Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Tampa.
As Charles Haugabrooks sang “Proud to be an American,” people rose from their seats with pride for their country and for the men and women who fought to keep it a free society.
American Gold Star Mother Annette Kirk was there to honor the life of her son, PFC Paul Cuzzupe II, an Army combat medic killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. He had only been there for six weeks.
“I miss him terribly,” Kirk said. “This is very hard. But I feel that is the best way to continue honoring his service.”
Colonel Matthew Ruedi, Chief of United States Central Comman J4, was the keynote speaker.
“Of the million plus men and women who have died in American military service, the vast majority are everyday heroes,” Ruedi said.
He encouraged members of the crowd to share their stories.
“Tell soldier stories to other Americans anytime you get the chance,“ he said.
Ruedi also reminded everyone how critical the troops are for preserving our everyday freedoms.
“It was the soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer who has given us a right to a fair trial,” Ruedi said.
The speakers encouraged everyone to take part in the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day at 3 p.m., by pausing and taking a moment to reflect on those who were killed in action while serving in the United States military.