More than 500 people gathered at the Hanover Wayside War Memorial to honor the fallen and celebrate those who serve in a Memorial Day event that grows in popularity each year.

“This is the best response we’ve had to this event and it really is heartwarming to see people come out and support our veterans,” Jack Ward, a former member of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors representing the Mechanicsville District, who co-founded the event in 2007.

The solemn sound of taps brought a silent response from even the youngest of attendees, and the sound of bagpipes was a dignified remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price in service to their country.

Maj. Rusty McGuire, a former U.S. Army officer and enlisted man, was the keynote speaker. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, he told the assembled crowd the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives protecting the freedoms enjoyed by everyone.

“On Memorial Day, we’re really here today to celebrate with reverence those who did not make it home from the war,” McGuire said. “Because of that sacrifice, we are not the colony of a monarch. Because of that sacrifice, we are not a divided nation. Because of that sacrifice, fascism, communism and socialism do not dominate the world.”

McGuire said that same dedication to duty keeps us safe today when different enemies confront the nation.

“But most of all, because of that sacrifice, terrorists are not on the streets of America. They are dying in foreign lands across the ocean. That’s why we’re here today to talk about that sacrifice,” McGuire said.

McGuire told the story of several names that appear on the Hanover Memorial Wall and said these men paid the ultimate price. “We have our tomorrow because they gave their today so let us honor them today, honor them tomorrow, and honor them next year.”

VFW Post 9808 presented a color guard, rifle salute and the sounding of taps for the ceremony.

Commander Boyd Burnett said the ceremony is becoming a tradition in Hanover.

“It’s really great to see all these people to come out here today and support their veterans,” Burnett said following the ceremony.

McGuire ,wife Ann and their children joined former Del. Frank Hargrove to lay a memorial wreath at the base of the Hanover Memorial.

Hargrove also was honored for his longstanding work in support of veterans and his service to the county. George Condyles of the Hanover Veterans Memorial Committee presented Hargrove with a commemorative photo of the Hanover Veterans Memorial.

“Thank you for the award, and I’m glad to be able to receive it—and that I’m not a member on the wall,” Hargrove said, referring to the list of deceased servicemen listed on the memorial. “Thank you for including me,” the 83-year old added.

The crowd was a cross-section of Hanover citizens, from veterans who served, active duty service men and women and every day citizens.

Del. John Cox, R-55, said the event is a worthy recognition of Hanover veterans as he met and greeted attendees. He’s attended the event every year since its inception.

“We should honor the men and women who gallantly served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Cox said. “I see the crowd continuing to grow each year, and that warms the bottom of my heart because the men and women who serve our country certainly deserve that.”

Hanover Idol winner Aimee Mines-Derricott performed the National Anthem. The Rev. Craig Secor gave the opening invocation.

Hanover County and the Hanover Veterans Memorial Committee sponsor the annual event.