(WKYT) – Patriotic songs and salutes set the somber tone for Memorial Day at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Jessamine County on Monday morning.
Aprile Hunt, a speaker at the ceremony, said the day is about remembering those who served.
“And those the families of these that are represented here on this land…even across these United States of America…gone but not forgotten,” Hunt said.
The grounds hold more than 21,000 burial sites. Sometimes it is not easy to find a loved one.
Victoria Thornton was successful. She paid her respects and remembered the purpose of Memorial Day.
“I think it’s important to remember those who have fallen and gone missing and this is why we have our freedoms,” Thornton said.
Navy veteran reflects on meaning
Jackie York is a Navy veteran. He has family buried in multiple areas of the cemetery.
“A lot of people have watered down history so much that a lot of people don’t understand the true meaning of a Memorial Day,” York said.
There are more than 50 acres of burial plots on the grounds. The Morton family searched through names for their brother.
“Sidney is right there,” Jeanettae Morton said.
Private First Class Sidney Morton served in Vietnam. He was a cook in the Army. He died in 2013 of cancer.
“Showed us the way didn’t he and so we haven’t been here in ten years we’ve been trying to get down here…haven’t we Pat…yes we have,” Jeanettae Morton said.
Chester Morton said Sidney was their big brother.
“Yeah this is our big brother…we got two brothers down here,” Chester Morton said.
Morton family military service
George Morton is also buried at Camp Nelson. He died in Vietnam. He was 21 years old.
Five Morton brothers served in the military. Another Morton brother, Eugene, is buried in Cove Haven Cemetery in Lexington.
Chester is an Army veteran and said he is proud of his family’s military service.
“It gives me pride and a belief that America is a place where you can be free to choose and that’s all we wanted a chance to be free,” Chester Morton said.
York, who has two cousins from World War II buried at Camp Nelson, said he already knows his final resting place.
“It’s already set in stone…I will be here amongst my family….forever….forever,” York said.