RICHMOND, Va. -- The Commonwealth's Memorial Day Ceremony took place on Monday, May 31, 2021, at Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.
Since the last Memorial Day ceremony, the names of four Virginians have been added to the Shrine of Memory.
"Each year on Memorial Day, we take a moment to honor those Virginians whose names were added to the Shrine of Memory in the past year," Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle said. "As often is the case, the names are not the most recent losses to war, but identities that were brought to our attention by family or friends during the year and that we were able to verify and finally add to their rightful place of remembrance. These names are here now permanently. They will endure long after we are gone. These names will remain. The memorial Bell from the USS Virginia will be rung on the announcement of each of the names."
Those added to the Shrine of Memory include:
Richard J., Harris, of Henrico, killed in action during the Korean War.
Ben Maxwell, of Appomattox, killed in the 1983 bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut.
Donald May, of Richmond, killed in action in Iraq in 2003.
Humayun Khan, of Bristow, killed in action in Iraq in 2004.
"Let's spend this Memorial Day, and every day, remembering those that gave up their life and freedom so that we may enjoy ours," Mountcastle said at the conclusion of the ceremony. "This Memorial belongs to all of us. And we all share in its mission. Before you leave today, if anything, visit the shrine, look upon these names, get to know them, and never forget."
You can watch the complete Memorial Day ceremony here.
