- May 25, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
John Ward, service organizer, gave an emotional speech about what Memorial Day is about, remembering fallen soldiers who fought for the country’s freedom.
John Ward’s nieces sang “America the Beautiful” before flags were distributed.
Town Mayor Shane Taylor read a proclamation deeming Monday, May 25, as Memorial Day in the Town of Oakland.
Oakland’s Cpl. Anthony Edwards placed a flag to represent unknown fallen soldiers buried in the cemetery.
Kate Taylor placed a flag on a soldier’s grave.
The flags signify men and women who died while in the line of duty protecting the nation.
The Ward family visited its family members’ graves.
Catherine Ward was dressed in style for the service.
Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan carefully placed a flag down to honor a fallen solider.
Cpl. Anthony Edwards respectfully placed flags throughout the Oakland-Tildenville and Oakland cemeteries.
World War II soldiers were recognized for their service, alongside World War I, Vietnam and Civil war soldiers.
Cpl. Roger Fisher placed the last flag down for all unknown soldiers as the service came to an end.
John Ward was born and raised in the town of Oakland.
While he has moved away to Jacksonville, he remains committed to coming back to his hometown to honor the brave men and women who fought in World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Civil War and other wars who now are buried in the town’s cemeteries.
With his wife Catherine Ward’s help and the town’s full support, American flags were placed on every veterans’ grave Monday, May 25, as well as an extra flag for unknown soldiers buried there.
Beyond flags, Wards’ nieces sang “America the Beautiful” and “Taps.”
