Alexandria Honors America's Troops in Del Ray Ceremony

Alexandria families and friends honored the city's fallen heroes on Monday morning during a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Friends of Rocky Versace at Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

Under a blistering hot sun outside the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, about 200 people gathered to watch a flag raising and hear military leaders laud the valor of U.S. troops and the importance of reflection on what they do for the country.

Decorated veteran and Alexandria resident Stevenson Wallace, who attended the ceremony with his wife Joyce Wallace,  called the Versace story "inspirational." Versace fought in Vietnam but was captured and executed. He was posthumously awarded the medal of honor. His remains were never recovered but a headstone with his name, Humbert Roque Versace, marks an empty grave in Arlington Cemetery.

General (USA ret.) Stanley McChrystal praised Versace in a speech to the crowd. "He was deeply religious, deeply committed to children...and kept faith in his comrades," he said, noting that although Versace was special, he represents a lot of people.

Sixty-seven men from Alexandria died in Vietnam or the surrounding area or remain missing in action.

Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) attended the event. "We all need to be mindful that Memorial Day is a tribute to those who have given their lives and to give pause...to remember what it's all about," he told Patch. Ebbin added that his middle name, Paul, was given to him in honor of his great uncle who died in World War II. "I never knew him, but today's the day for me to remember him."

The memorial sparkled in the sun, which the Friends of Rocky Versace said was partly in thanks to new gold lettering on the memorial's names and stars, which cost $10,000 provided by contributors to re-apply.

Alexandria City Mayor Bill Euille and Councilmen Rob Krupicka and Frank Fannon also attended the event.