Millsboro, Del. — The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro held its first Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday, marking a significant step forward in honoring the more than 7,000 veterans buried at the site. The event brought together local residents, military families, and veterans, many of whom were unaware that the cemetery had never hosted an official Memorial Day observance. The ceremony included a color guard from Caesar Rodney High School’s ROTC program, musical performances, and solemn tributes through prayer and reflection.
One Marine Corps veteran, who intends to be buried there, noted the personal significance of the location, as many of his fellow service members are already interred at the site. The event’s organizers, affiliated with American Legion Post 17, initiated the effort after recognizing that Sussex County lacked a formal Memorial Day tradition at its state-run veterans cemetery. The push to create the ceremony began nearly three years ago, following the death of one organizer’s husband. After learning that no Memorial Day event had ever been held at the site, she began coordinating efforts with local veterans and support organizations. The realization prompted widespread community support, with many expressing surprise that the tradition had been missing for so long. Organizers now plan to make the ceremony an annual fixture—ensuring permanent recognition for those who gave their lives in service.
