Veterans and families honor soldiers memories on Memorial Day

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Across the Fargo-Moorhead area veterans, their friends and families, came out to remember those that lost their lives in service of their country on Memorial Day.

The Moorhead American Legion and Dilworth VFW honored their fallen comrades with a 21 gun salute at Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Retired Major Kip Fondrick was in attendance at the ceremony. He says he tries to make it out to as many Memorial Day events as he can to remember those that lost their lives, as well as those who suffer from injuries and PTSD.

“It’s the least we can do. Come out and offer our thanks for everyone that sacrificed, both their lives, and even people who have come home that are continuing to have issues both mentally and physically.”

Many people also gathered at Holy Cross Cemetery in north Fargo to remember the fallen.

Kent Warner brings his family out to the cemetery every year.

He says that while the day off is nice he wants to make sure that he and his family remember the reason for the holiday.

“It’s an opportunity to come out here and remember, not only for myself or my wife but for my kids “Hey why do we get this day off?” It’s a day to remember those who have served, those who have died in defense of our country. It’s the least we could do.”

Doug Greenley was also in attendance at Holy Cross. He served in the National Guard, and he lost his brother in Vietnam.

For Greenley, seeing the community come out to support those who lost their lives like his brother is important.

“I think the least that we could do is to take a day and honor the people who gave so much of their lives.”

He added that all he wants people to do on this day is remember those that are no longer with us.

“I think that’s exactly it. To remember. Remember the cost that the country has paid, that the population has paid. That’s it.”