On behalf of everyone at Williamsburg Memorial Park, we’d like to thank the members of the Forward Air Controllers for allowing us to host their 2016 Wreath-Laying Ceremony.  Although the weather wasn’t very cooperative, we were able to honor the 224 Forward Air Controllers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

To view the official program please click the image below.

On Monday, May 30, Williamsburg Memorial Park proudly hosted the Annual Memorial Day Celebration for the 48th consecutive year. In spite of the rain, which was sometimes heavy, more than 200 people braved the elements to show their respect for the men and women who gave their lives to protect this great nation, its communities, and its citizens.

Because of our ongoing park expansion, all guests, except those who are disabled, were asked to park at the AMF Williamsburg Lanes, which graciously let us use its parking lot. Once parked, guests were promptly shuttled directly to tent-covered seating in two vans, including an environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz donated by Bucktrout of Williamsburg, a local, family-owned funeral home.

“The new shuttle system worked great! Everyone I spoke with was in good spirits and seemed to appreciate the curbside service,” said Andy Bradshaw, Williamsburg Memorial Park Board of Directors VP and shuttle rider.

At the cemetery, which was adorned with more than 1,100 small American flags, several disabled guests began arriving by car. Sensing the potential safety risks imposed by people trying to park and then navigate the rain-soaked grounds, Scoutmaster Bruce Laubach from BSA Troop 103 quickly organized our very first valet parking. It was a stroke of genius that proved to be immensely popular.

The main event began under a light rain at 10 am with a traditional bell ceremony performed by Commander Bill White from American Legion Post 39. Afterward, Jerry Fields, Brigadier General, US Army (Ret), started the program, which was followed by an invocation by Rev. Charles Mullally, Lt. Colonel, US Army (Ret), and the advance of colors by the James City County Fire Department Color Guard.

This years program featured patriotic music performed by a variety of talented people, including Sydney Snowden, Dalia McCoy, Alberta Prather, and Scherry Barra; a moving speech by Dr. John Pittman III, Colonel, US Army Reserves; and a 21-gun salute by the VFW Post 4639 Honor Guard. The ceremony concluded with Taps, played by Jake Sanford from Toano Middle School, and the ever-popular God Bless the USA, beautifully sung by Ray Gresham, 1st Sergeant, US Army (Ret).

At the end of the celebration, speakers, organizers, and performers received a standing ovation from event attendees, with several guests seen wiping away tears. “No words can express the tremendous gratitude we have for the various organizations that made this event possible, including AMF Williamsburg Lanes, Bucktrout of Williamsburg, the Combined Veterans Groups, and especially the young men of BSA Troops 103 and 155,” said Angela Byrum, General Manager Williamsburg Memorial Park.

The 2016 Memorial Day Celebration was a resounding success, in spite of adverse weather conditions, and demonstrates the tremendous resolve and respect our community has toward its veterans and first responders. Williamsburg Memorial Park is honored to have once again hosted this wonderful event. We look forward to an even better celebration next year.

Additional Info
Printed programs will be handed out at the park
Limited seating is available
Parking is free

Program
Click on the image below for a PDF of the 2016 program.

On behalf of everyone at Williamsburg Memorial Park, we’d like to thank the nearly 150 members of our community who attended our WWII 70th Anniversary Global Wreath-Laying. This event was sponsored by the Spirit of ’45 organization and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. It was designed to celebrate the end of World War II and honor all those who served in the defense of our great nation.

Williamsburg Memorial Park was selected as one of more than 2,000 locations worldwide to participate in the “longest continuous wreath-laying ceremony in history.” What made this event even more special were the 29 veterans from the Battle of the Bulge who attended this very moving ceremony. For more details, please check out the excellent WYDaily article by Ty Hodges.

Our Master of Ceremonies was Colonel Alan R. Cunningham, USAR (Ret) and President of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Inc, who was joined by guest speaker, US Army Colonel William S. Galbraith, Commander of the 733rd Mission Support Group. We were also joined by the famous Spirit Express bus and Auston O’Neill–nationally recognized Spirit of ’45 Bugler.

Williamsburg Memorial Park is very proud to have played a part in this very special event. We remain committed to all our veterans, both living and deceased, and will continue to participate in meaningful programs such as this.

Thank You
We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations, who graciously donated their time to make this event possible:

• Colonel Alan Cunningham, USAR (Ret), VBOB President
• Colonel William S. Galbraith, US Army Commander
• Bill White, Commander, American Legion Post 39
• Boy Scouts of America Troops 103 and 155
• James City County Police
• VFW Post 4639 Color and Honor Guards
• Virginia Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders
• The WYDaily
• Auston O’Neill and the Spirit Express
• Alberta Prather, National Anthem singer
• Staff Sgt Ray Gresham, US Army (Ret)
• Patrick Brion, Belgian Army Photographer

Additional Info
Printed programs will be handed out at the park
Limited seating is available
Parking is free

Program
Click on the image below for a PDF of the official program.

Video Tribute
View Elton John’s Oceans Away Tribute

Date/Time
Sunday, August 16, 2015
9:00 am–10:00 am

Location
Williamsburg Memorial Park
130 King William Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23188

Additional Info
Veteran’s of the Battle of the Bulge Reunion Schedule
Limited seating is available
Free Parking