Fallen military members honored in Bushnell

BUSHNELL, Fla. — A Memorial Day ceremony was held Monday at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell to remember those who died while serving in the country's armed forces.

The annual event featured patriotic songs, a rifle salute, a presenting of flags and a flyover.

Rep. Daniel Webster spoke at the ceremony and members of The Villages High School choir performed.

"We honor those who have given their lives bravely serving in our military's armed forces," Webster said. "As we observe Memorial Day, our hearts are filled with gratitude to the brave soldiers, and airmen and women."

The Avenue of Flags, which consists of about 400 flags, was displayed along the cemetery's road.

Families of deceased veterans donated the flags, which once draped over the caskets or cremation urns.

"They fought for their parents, and their friends and their neighbors," Webster said. "They fought for their own children, and for their grandchildren to come. And they fought for you, and they fought for me."

Cheyanne Decker was at the remembrance to honor her brother, Cody Grater.

"He was, he was something else," she said. "He was a character. He was popular in school; he had a million friends."

Her brother had been in the military for less than a year when he was killed by an RPG in Iraq.

Speaking while standing next to her brother's grave in Bushnell, Decker said she tries to honor Grater on more than just Memorial Day.

"Everything that I do, I do for him," she said. "So it's not just Memorial Day; it's not just Veterans' Day; it's not just a birthday. It's every day is like his day."

Cox Media Group