News : A time to remember: Veterans lead Vinton Memorial Day ceremonies

Veterans offer tribute to fallen soldiers at Evergreen Cemetery's Civil War monument.

Chaplain Paul Coyle prays during a ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery.

The Color Guard stands at attention.

Matt Lash and Megan Ternus play taps.

Area veterans have new helmets for events such as today's Memorial Day ceremonies.

'Anchors Aweigh:' Caleb Bendull's reflection is seen in his tuba as the VSHS band plays.

Veterans march toward the Cedar River bridge for the tribute to all Americans buried at sea.

Gold Star family members lay the wreath during the Veterans Park service.

The VSHS marching band again participated in the Memorial Day events.

Veterans fire a salute to U.S. service personnel buried at sea.

Auxiliary members march to the river for the wreath dropping ceremony.

The parade to the river begins...

Vinton veterans from the Veterans of Foriegn War, American Legion and AMVETS gathered at local cemeteries Monday morning for the annual Memorial Day observations.

Taps, prayers and gun salutes honored those who have served their country and died defending the freedoms of Americans.

The march to the bridge began at 10 a.m. A wreath honoring those buried at sea was lowered into the Cedar River while the VSHS band played "Anchors "Aweigh." A ceremony then took place at Riverside Park, followed by a ribbon cutting for the display of an anchor donated by the family of the late Vince Blank.

VSHS band members marched with the veterans and auxiliary members to the bridge. VSHS brass section members Matt Lash and Megan Ternus played taps for the ceremonies at the cemeteries.