Miami-Dade honoring heroes on Memorial Day
MIAMI – This Memorial Day, police officers, firefighters, and veterans joined together in Miami Beach to honor those who have died while defending our nation.
The event featured several speakers, including a veteran who lost several friends and highlighted the importance of remembrance of those who have served.
"It was a culture shock, obviously. I mean dealing with death every day really changed the perspective and priorities of life," said Alex Kruger-Dubrota, a US Marine who served in Afghanistan back in 2012.
Alex says for him every day is important to remember the fallen including the men and women he served with.
"One of my people from my sniper team, you know he was struggling with PTSD. He left behind a wife and kids," said Alex, talking about his friend, Dalton Milnes.
"He was the best Marine I knew. Everybody respected him. He always did the hardest job that nobody wanted to do," said Alex.
For him on Memorial Day, and every day, he says he's also working to help take care of the veterans who've come home.
"The service doesn't stop once you end your enlistment contract," he said.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner thanked local law enforcement during the ceremony.
"I am mindful of it every single day that we have heroes all around us, we just have to notice it," said the Mayor.
Miami Beach Police Chief, Wayne Jones agrees.
"Proud. Proud beyond words. You know I know all of them. I know what they've done in the past. I know their military service and what they've sacrificed," said Chief Jones.
From Miami Beach to Miami Gardens there were events all morning long in Miami-Dade County to honor the fallen and highlight those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
"I want them to know not just the sacrifice for LaDavid but the sacrifice for all the fallen soldiers. A lot of kids think it's about getting in the pool, barbeque and hamburgers but it's not.. And it's way more than that and there's nothing to me, happy about today," said Cowanda Johnson, the mother of LaDavid Johnson.
LaDavid, a sergeant in the Army, died in 2017 while serving in Niger in West Africa. Every year, there is a breakfast in his honor and to honor the lives of other fallen members of the military.
"He honored his stripes, he got here because that's where he wanted to be and he made that ultimate sacrifice for where he wanted to be in life. Be present, that's the most important thing. My nieces and nephews ask a lot of questions and I just try to be there. I tell them about their father, show a lot of pictures. Just be present in the moment. That's the most important thing to know who their father was," said Richshawnda Johnson, LaDavid's sister.
For these loved ones, and all Americans, a day to remember, to reflect, and to be thankful for the freedoms we have.