RICHMOND, Va. — Nearly 12,000 names of Virginians who died in combat since World War II are being read aloud at the Virginia War Memorial in a new addition to the shrine's Memorial Day services.
The "Say Their Names Marathon" began just before 1 p.m. on Memorial Day and is expected to continue until approximately 30 minutes after midnight.
The ceremony began with the ringing of the bell from the USS Virginia, which will not ring again until the last name has been read.
Readers started with those who died in World War II, going alphabetically by county, then by name, just as written on the alabaster walls of the Shrine of Memory.
"The freedoms we enjoy because brave men and women are willing to stand guard and hold the watch today. We honor the fallen and remember them. We remember of all them," said Craig Crenshaw, Virginia's Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and retired Marine Corps Major General.
The reading of World War II names alone is expected to continue until 10 p.m., highlighting the significant number of Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the World War II names, the reading will continue chronologically for those who died in the Global War on Terror.
"I felt very deeply for every one of the names that I mentioned," volunteer Mary Ann Wilson said. "I think we have to always continue to remember people that we lost and we loved -- and people that we didn't even know because they gave their lives, their time for us."
"It's just breathtaking, honestly, the amount of names, the amount of people they have served," volunteer Owen Hoy added.
Volunteer Rick Everington said the day was emotional, remembering the sacrifices made by thousands — including his fellow Marines who he served alongside in Vietnam.
"I was glad to be here and remember.
Next month marks the anniversary of a battle where Everington lost 46 fellow Marines. For him, Memorial Day is a vivid reminder of the sacrifice and courage that helped save his own life.
"I came pretty close to lights out for good, but thanks to the stealth-hearted Marine brothers I had around me that day, they pulled me out of there and took care of me, so through the grace of God I'm here," he said.
Before the marathon reading began, the Memorial held its traditional service in the amphitheater with several hundred people in attendance, where officials spoke about the importance of honoring those who died in service to their country.
The "Say Their Name Marathon" represents a new addition to the Memorial's annual ceremonies honoring fallen service members.
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