• Slug: BC-CNS-Memorial Ceremony,120 words (photo essay).
• 7 file photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Evelin Ruelas
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Families gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona Monday to pay respects to fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. Hundreds of people watched a flyover by the Phoenix Stearman Group and a performance by the 108th Army National Guard Band. The main event was a presentation of the wreaths from various veteran service organizations.

Like many who have lost a loved one in military service to the United States, Sgt. R.J. Mitchell marks the day to remember a fallen comrade. “I lost my best friend,” said Mitchell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who spoke at the Monday ceremony. Others came to commemorate not only fallen military members but to remember family and friends buried at the cemetery.

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For many, Memorial Day is spent remembering fallen service members. Those who gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix on May 29, 2023, witnessed the celebration that takes place each year. Thousands of volunteers place flags on grave markers to honor the life of each individual. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

Dozens of wreaths were presented at the Memorial Day ceremony. Representatives of veteran service organizations and community groups carried wreaths to the center of the stage during the “placing of the wreaths” on Memorial Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers an official proclamation to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona Director Randy Heard on May 29, 2023. Rick Romley, master of ceremony, stands in the background. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

Veteran Ignacio M. Rivera presents a wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on May 29, 2023. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

The Phoenix Stearman biplane group perform a traditional flyover at the National Memorial Cemetery during the Memorial Day ceremony. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona holds a Memorial Day ceremony on May 29, 2023. Veteran groups, service organizations and government officials participated in the event. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

The Group Riders USA greet families at the entrance of the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on May 29, 2023. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)