Marching to remember the names on the Veterans Memorial Wall

Casselton, ND (WDAY TV) - In Fargo, the Civic Center was filled with those honoring the fallen. Crowds waved flags and speakers addressed the meaning of Memorial Day to remember the serving soldiers whose lives were lost during war, whether in recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, or past wars such as Korea and Vietnam. Commander Linda Whaley reminded everyone to never forget the soldiers.

LINDA WHALEY - MC Commander: "It's important to remember them and give thanks for their ultimate sacrifice. We owe them no less."

Weather forced that ceremony to move to the Civic from Riverside Cemetery.

The voices of nearly 800-deceased veterans are being heard through the words of living veterans in Casselton. After a life serving in the military, many have a special bond. Military members make sure that bond between troops isn't broken even after each one passes away.

The day is less than ideal for a parade, but no rain can dampen the spirits for many of these veterans. It is a ceremony that has been unchanged in Casselton since World War I, marching to remember the nearly 800-names on the veterans memorial wall.

Carter Schultz – U.S. Army: "My uncle Rowland and Frank Jr. They were WWII. Rowland was actually in Korea and Vietnam."'

Engraved on the wall are 8-relatives of Carter Shultz. A display that the military is a way of life for his family.

Carter Schulz – U.S. Army Retired: "It brings back a memory of the person."

21-new names were added to the wall this year. Each one read out loud as service members recognize every military branch. Family military ties run deep in Casselton. Forever a soldier but once a brother, son and an uncle, Albert Markey is among the family with the most names on the wall.

Jim Markey: "He just passed away this last year, he was one of the new inductees. So that would be 10-on the wall."

Its been years since many of these vets actively served, but each Memorial Day, the meaning of brotherhood stitched with bars and stripes is what these men and women are proud to be a part of.

Carter Shultz: "364 days a year I'm just Carter, but today I'm a veteran, and for many of these guys its their day to shine."

Members of the Moorhead Legion and Dilworth V-F-W lined the roads along Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead. A 21 gun salute honored lives lost, 'taps' rang from a bugle, and flags flowed proudly in the wind. Boy Scout Troops placed the flags for soldiers who served this country. It was emotional for many.

CAROLYN ALBERSTON - Post 21 Color Guard: "It just brings tears to your eyes to remember the fellows that did give their lives and those that have died since."

The group visited seven cemeteries in Moorhead.

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