Memorial Day in the Gardens

Veterans of the Sandhills

Memorial Day graphic featuring an American flag above the words 鈥淢emorial Day鈥� and 鈥淩emember and Honor鈥� in patriotic red and blue lettering on a light background.Memorial Day in the Gardens honors the service, sacrifice, and experiences of local veterans through a series of featured stories presented in the Memorial Day gazebo at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Visitors are invited to explore photographs, biographies, and personal reflections that highlight the lives and military service of these individuals while connecting remembrance with the peaceful setting of the gardens.

Inside the gazebo, photographs of each veteran are paired with QR codes linking visitors to extended stories and video interviews. These videos provide a deeper look into each veteran鈥檚 experiences, service, and connection to the community.

Featured Veterans

 

Portrait of Staff Sgt. Donald Woodfield in U.S. Air Force dress uniform during his military service in the Vietnam era.

Donald Woodfield

U.S. Air Force | 1960-1968 

Rank - Staff Sergeant

Conflict / Era - Vietnam

b. November 24, 1941 | d. September 3, 2023

Portrait of Chief Warrant Officer Allen Ashdown Sr. in U.S. Navy uniform during his military service in the Cold War era.

Allen Ashdown Sr.

U.S. Navy | 1950-1982 

Rank - Chief Warrant Officer

Conflict / Era - Cold War

b. August 30, 1931 | d. March 1, 2024

Portrait of Master Sgt. Gary Gordon in U.S. Army uniform beside the Medal of Honor emblem, recognized for service during the Somalia conflict.

Gary Gordon

U.S. Army | 1978-1993

Rank - Master Sergeant

Conflict / Era - Somalia

b. August 30, 1960 | d. October 3, 1993

Service Notes: Died by enemy fire in Mogadishu, Somalia

Framed photograph of Staff Sgt. Justin Marquez holding a baby, displayed beside a smaller portrait photo, honoring his military service during the Afghanistan conflict.

Justin Marquez

U.S. Army | 2009-2012

Rank - Staff Sergeant

Conflict / Era - Afghanistan

b. March 25, 1987 | d. October 6, 2012

Service Notes: Died by enemy fire in Chak District, Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

 

 

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.  鈥� Joseph Campbell