As a has been the tradition since Convention Hall opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2012, Veterans, active duty military and their families and the general public gathered to remember the fallen from all of America’s wars again this year.

The audience of over 500 listened quietly as the Cape Harmonaires offered a collection of patriotic hymns and songs. Speakers ranged from the leaders of the American Legion and the City of Cape May, West Cape May and Cape May Point to a WWII survivor. Each offered a different point of view on the meaning of Memorial Day.

The ceremony continued onto the beach where the Coast Guard color guard and rifle squad saluted the war dead as a commemorative wreath was pulled out to sea and dropped into the surf by the CMBP.

Unlike previous years the boat filled with flowers, put together by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, was shore-bound due to very choppy surf.