American flags and fresh flowers line the Valhalla cemetery to honor those who have served. (Devan Ridgway/WTIU News)
For Valarie Gillaspy, Memorial Day at Valhalla Memory Gardens isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way of honoring her family’s legacy of service.
“I have family buried here that served in the military—my Uncle Tom Vernon, Barney Vernon, Bob Vernon. My dad's family had five sons, and every one of them served in the military,” Gillaspy said. “And my uncle, Tom, dedicated and helped to bring about this Vietnam memorial right here, and he's since passed. So I've brought my children since—I've been coming here for 30, 40 years, every Memorial Day.”
- Valarie Gillaspy (middle) and her family stand for the Pledge of Allegiance during the Memorial Day ceremony at Valhalla Cemetery. (Devan Ridgway/WTIU News)
On Monday morning, Gillaspy’s daughter, Melissa Wells, and son-in-law, Brandon Wells, joined her at the annual Memorial Day service hosted by Bloomington’s VFW Post 604 at the cemetery’s Veterans’ Memorial. They carry the family tradition forward with their own children.
“(Gillaspy) brought my sister and I, and now I bring my kids who are up there,” Melissa said. “So it’s just something we like to come and do together as a family, to honor those that have served and passed.”
Brandon added, “We try to remind our children that the quality of life we have is a result of all the men and women that have sacrificed so much for us. The least we can do is show up and honor them on a day like this.”
The Bloomington Community Band played before the ceremony began, followed by the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of patriotic songs. Veterans and community members gathered to honor those who gave their lives in service.
- A woman embraces a child as they watch the ceremony, taking a quiet moment to reflect on those who served and sacrificed. (Devan Ridgway/WTIU News)
Gillaspy said she hopes those who attend or visit the memorial walk away with a deeper understanding.
“I hope people take away how valuable our service members were—and still are,” she said. “The peace, the wonderful lives we have—it’s all due to them.”
