TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– A Memorial Day tradition returned at Highland Lawn Cemetery on Monday as dozens gathered to honor fallen soldiers.
For veterans like Randy Torrence, who served in the Marine Corps, the holiday brings lots of emotions each year.
“These are the veterans, the ones that sacrificed their lives. They left family members to go fight in a foreign war, and it’s really important for us to honor them,” he said. “It’s one day out of the year but I wish it could be more.”
The event included ceremonial wreaths to honor different Legion Posts around the area, as well as a number of songs played by a local band. It also featured dozens upon dozens of veterans in attendance– something Larry Atterson, who was the past commander of American Legion Post 501 in West Terre Haute, said is one of his favorite parts.
“You can’t forget all of our fallen comrades. We got to stick together, there ain’t too many of us left,” he said. “I served, my dad served and all my relations served. We’re all brothers to me.”
Torrence said the most impactful part for him was the playing of taps.
“For myself, it’s Taps, for my father,” he said. “It was an honor that my father was a Korean War veteran.”
Torrence said he was touched to see the crowd in attendance– and he’ll be looking forward to the event when it comes in 2024.
“It’s an honor to see everybody come out and show their support for our fallen veterans,” he said. “It’s really an honor.”
