Thousands gathered in Gettysburg for the 159th annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.

The ceremony, held at Gettysbug National Cemetery, opened with a moment of silence led by Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission Chairman Barry Decker, who reminded attendees of the purpose of the day.

“Decoration Day or Memorial Day, as we know it, is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and honor those men and women who have gave their lives for our country so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms.”

Deputy Superintendent Zachary Bolitho of Gettysburg National Military Park reflected on the meaning of the cemetery itself, describing it as a place intentionally designed for remembrance and unity.

“Yet each headstone represents an individual story, a life lived, a family changed and a sacrifice made in service to something greater than oneself.”

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by retired Colonel Frank Hancock, a 30-year Army veteran and former chairman of the Department of Military Strategy at the U.S. Army War College. Hancock spoke about the origins of Memorial Day, the enduring cost of freedom, and the responsibility of younger generations to preserve American ideals.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

Hancock also emphasized the importance of remembrance and service, especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum also addressed the crowd, connecting Gettysburg’s legacy to the broader American story. Speaking beneath the same sky where Abraham Lincoln once delivered the Gettysburg Address, Burgum called remembrance an act of citizenship.

“A nation that forgets sacrifice eventually forgets freedom itself.”

The ceremony included performances by the Gettysburg Area High School Band, patriotic hymns sung by Wayne Hill, a reading of the Gettysburg Address by Trevor Taylor, a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps.

As the event concluded, attendees were reminded that Memorial Day is more than a holiday gathering. It is a day dedicated to honoring those who made the “last full measure of devotion” so future generations could live in freedom.