FORT SILL NATIONAL CEMETERY – The Department of Veterans Affairs will host a wreath-laying ceremony here, accompanied by speeches, a moment of silence, and the playing of Taps and a rifle volley, in commemoration of Memorial Day.
The May 30 event will start at 10 a.m. and will last approximately one hour, said Matthew Priest, assistant director of the Fort Sill and Fort Gibson National Cemeteries.
Because of the pandemic, “This will be the first public Memorial Day ceremony at our cemetery since 2019,” Priest noted.
SFC Thomas LeBlanc will be the guest speaker. LeBlanc, 42, joined the military in 2002, starting in the Army National Guard; he transitioned to active duty in 2006 and was stationed at Fort Sill.
LeBlanc has held many positions during his military career, including Battalion Master Gunner for the 2nd BN 2nd FAR at Fort Sill, where he is now stationed. LeBlanc also has several military awards, including Iraq and Afghanistan campaign ribbons with stars and the Global War on Terrorism Ribbon.
“Memorial Day is a special time for Americans to reflect on the contributions of those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for us,” Priest said. “Because of the courage of these veterans, we enjoy the opportunities and freedoms that we have today.”