27-05-2025
World War II veteran among those honored at HHI Memorial Day ceremony
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) – Monday, Hilton Head Island's annual ceremony drew dozens of veterans and hundreds of people who showed their respect for those who fought.
'We honor those today that gave the ultimate love. You can't give any more than they did.' USMC Colonel Kenneth Delmazo said from the podium.
That was why this crowd came to the Hilton Head Veterans Memorial to honor those who fought and those who sacrificed for our country.
'They put their lives in danger,' Delmazo said. 'They left their families. They answered the nation's call when it was needed. Regardless of the politics of the day, it didn't matter. And here's what always gets me. And when I think about this, they did it for people they don't even know.'
The 32nd annual event sponsored by the Navy League offered patriotic music and a special resolution offered by Mayor Alan Perry from the town to all veterans.
That resolution was then given to the longest serving and surviving member of the military at today's ceremony, World War two veteran Gerald Hushour. Hushour is 97 years old and offered a very simple message on carrying on a long life.
'Exercise and don't get upset over political problems,' said a smiling Hushour.
Among the veterans and citizens who came to the event, the entire Gleason family. More than a dozen people from four generations. They have come to the Island for vacation and come to this ceremony for 18 years in a row. They say it is the best way they can think of to honor their father and grandfather, a World War two veteran himself who first brought them to the annual event.
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