Alexandria military veterans honored on Memorial Day

Alexandria honored its military veterans on Monday in Del Ray, in one of the first public events in the city since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions on Friday.

Mayor Justin Wilson and Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker were among the attendees at Monday afternoon’s event, which was held at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial outside the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.

“Throughout our 272 years of history, Alexandria’s sons and daughters have been called to service in our nation’s defense,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “They have spilled blood around the planet in wars and conflicts defending our freedoms and ideals. On Memorial Day, we remember those who did not return from conflict and provided the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. We are eternally grateful.”

This was the first time that the event has been held outside and in person since 2018. Last year’s event was canceled by the pandemic, and the 2019 event was held indoors because of rain.

U.S. Army Capt. Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace is the sole Alexandrian to win the Medal of Honor, and is among 68 residents who died in the Vietnam War.

Throughout our City’s history, Alexandrians have given their lives in defense of our nation’s security and ideals.

Today, we again gather at the Rocky Versace Memorial to pay tribute to those who did not return. pic.twitter.com/QldHoArQ21

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) May 31, 2021

This Memorial Day, APD honors the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, giving us the freedom we enjoy today.

To honor them, APD family members are doing the challenging "Murph" Workout. #MemorialDay #MurphWorkout

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) May 31, 2021

We're still going! pic.twitter.com/96RtD91HPB

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) May 31, 2021

Photo via Friends of Rocky Versace/Facebook