Biloxi Memorial Day event honors the meaning behind the holiday. See photos
Veterans, service members, Gold Star families and the public gathered Monday under the hot sun and the live oak trees that line Biloxi National Cemetery for an annual ceremony honoring fallen service members for Memorial Day.
'Memorial Day is more than a holiday, it's a sacred occasion, indeed,' said Col. Billy E. Pope, Jr., Commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base. 'It's a time for people to pause amid our busy lives and to pay tribute to the men and women who made that ultimate sacrifice.'
During the ceremony, a Gold Star family member, Jennifer Jones, who was honoring her brother Thomas Hilbert, who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, presented a ceremonial wreath.
The ceremony also displayed an honorary table for prisoners of war and those killed in action. The table, set with a white table cloth, an inverted glass, a candle and a rose, represents that those who have been lost in conflict are never forgotten.
Dr. Virgil Jefferson, who was the surgical operations squadron commander for the 81st during Hurricane Katrina, attended the ceremony with his wife, Leslie. Dr. Jefferson, a trauma surgeon who says he's been in every war since the Gulf War, says people forget the reason for Memorial Day.
'People forget about it so often,' Jefferson said. 'But I don't forget it. I've been there.'
Take a look at photos from the event.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News24
36 minutes ago
- News24
Broos may smile, but Bafana's old ghost returned for June friendlies
Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Residents shocked after unexpected creature wanders into backyard: 'The police don't want us to go outside'
A bear wandered into a backyard in Prince George's County, Maryland, forcing residents to take their Memorial Day plans indoors, NBC4 Washington reported. The young bear, approximately 18 months old, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, lounged in a tree in a backyard around noon. "We were going to the playground with my daughter. We canceled because the police don't want us to go outside," one resident said, per NBC4 Washington. The bear stayed in the tree until 3:30 p.m. Then, DNR officers relocated it to a wildlife management area. While some Langley Park residents thought the encounter was exciting and memorable, such occurrences reflect a broader pattern. Close encounters between humans and wildlife are becoming more frequent. The cause is habitat loss, and it's happening on a global scale. In 2024, the World Wildlife Fund reported a catastrophic 73% decline in wildlife populations worldwide between 1970 and 2020. Freshwater species (85%) suffered the steepest drops, followed by land (69%) and marine life (56%). These losses stem largely from habitat destruction, overharvesting, and changes to our climate, many of which are linked to human land use and food production systems. As urban development expands and forested areas shrink, wild animals are forced to search for food and shelter in suburban and residential areas. While the situation in Maryland ended peacefully, that is not always the case. Wildlife encounters not only put people at risk but also stress animals. Animals can get hurt or become disoriented and may face euthanasia by authorities. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Globally, major restoration efforts are underway to reverse damage from decades of habitat destruction. Government initiatives and independent groups are working to revive ecosystems through reforestation, wetland recovery, and wildlife corridor development. Individuals can help by getting involved in local conservation efforts and staying informed about how urbanization impacts local ecosystems. Respecting wildlife, securing trash, and protecting green spaces are small but powerful ways to coexist with nature and prevent backyard surprises. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Pride Flag Raising Ceremony 2025 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
The CBS News Philadelphia Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On