May 26, 2008 5:34 pm US/Eastern
South Floridians Commemorate Memorial Day Holiday
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Jes Aznar/AFP/Getty Images
The generations of military service members and veterans who make their homes in South Florida are commemorating Memorial Day.
Cities across the state join others around the country in holding parades in their honor on Monday's holiday.
While many residents and visitors enjoy the day off from work under sunny skies and on the water, the families of fallen troops head to Veterans cemeteries to pay their respects.
More than 175 troops from Florida have died in the Iraq war.
One of the biggest Memorial Day events in South Florida took place in the City of North Miami. The event was held at Griffing Park.
The ceremony featured the presentation of colors by the North Miami Senior High School's JROTC Honor Guard, flag presentations by local Veterans organizations and a rifle salute by the North Miami Police Department Rifle Team.
Special guest speaker, Senior Master Sergeant William Lafoy, of the US Southern Command delivered this year's Memorial Day message.
Griffing Park will be the new home to the North Miami Veterans monument in the future. The city's previous monument was located on what is now part of the new school constructions project in the center of the city.
The City of Miami Beach and the American Legion also honored the men and women who have fought and died for freedom with a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial Cenotaph in front of the Miami Beach Police Headquarters. Veterans Day ceremonies have been held in the City of Miami Beach for over 45 years.
The Miami Beach Police Department is located at 1100 Washington Avenue.
Click here for a complete list of Memorial Day Events scheduled around South Florida and a list of what's open and closed.
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