American Legion Post 56 hosts Memorial Day Celebration

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - While Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, it's also a time for community.

In Yuma, American Legion Post 56 brought people together Monday to celebrate and share gratitude for those who have served.

At Post 56, Veterans, families and friends shared food, stories and gratitude while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Today, we are celebrating all of those who have passed before us. All of those that have forges the way for our armed forced to be what they are today. All of those that have made this county what it is today," said Woodie Woodward with Post 56.

While attendees partook in moments of reflection during the celebration, it was also personal for some.

"My grandfather, Bob Schubert, served in the U.S. Navy, USS Schmidt and my [other] grandfather, Donald Kelly, he served in the Army and the Navy. He was on Pearl Harbor when it bombed," said Jerald Kelly, a local.

While the mood was relaxed, the message was clear: Remember those who sacrificed and supporting those who still wear the uniform.

"It's everything to have a county where we have these freedoms, where we have these values, and a culture that supports those freedoms for the whole world," Kelly expressed.

Post 56 says events like this help bridge generations and make sure the stories of service and sacrifice are never forgotten.