Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Veterans, families, and local leaders gathered Monday morning at the Salem VA Medical Center Auditorium for a Memorial Day ceremony dedicated to remembering those who died serving their country.
Hosted by the Salem VA Health Care System in partnership with the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council, the Memorial Day ceremony marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two organizations. Despite the wet weather outside, the auditorium was filled with warmth, reverence, and a deep sense of unity.
“We were approached by Colonel John Miller from the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council,” said Becky Stackhouse, Executive Director of the Salem VA Health Care System. “He asked if we’d be willing to host the ceremony here. It was an immediate yes. We were honored to provide the foundation and the facility.”
A Ceremony Rooted in Respect
The program opened with a presentation of colors, setting a respectful tone that was maintained throughout the morning. Attendees stood with hands over hearts as the American flag entered the room, carried by local veterans and representatives from the Virginia National Guard.
The keynote address was delivered by Melissa Gaona, a U.S. Army veteran and local media personality, who emphasized the need to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
“This day isn’t about barbecues or a three-day weekend,” Gaona said in her remarks. “It’s about honoring those who laid down their lives so that we could live ours in freedom.”
Her speech resonated deeply with attendees—many of whom served alongside comrades who never made it home.
“For a lot of these veterans,” Stackhouse reflected afterward, “Memorial Day is personal. The men and women they served with, the friends they lost—this is their time to reflect and honor them.”
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying and a 21-gun salute, followed by the solemn tones of “Taps,” played live as the audience stood in silence.
Personal Stories and Shared Sacrifice
Among those in attendance were family members of Sergeant Michael Aus, a local soldier who was killed in action in Iraq. His memory is preserved in a permanent memorial on-site at the Salem VA.
“His parents were here today,” said Colonel John Miller, one of the event’s lead organizers and a longtime advocate for veterans. “You could see the emotion on their faces. This day is not just national—it’s deeply local.”
Miller, a full-time volunteer and board member of the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council, has spent decades working with veteran service organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, AUSA, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
“It’s always a thrill to do this,” he said. “I can never do enough to recognize the sacrifice of others—especially the more than one million service members who died while on active duty.”
But Miller also expressed concern about the future of veteran support organizations, noting that membership is declining.
“Younger veterans haven’t joined these organizations yet,” he said. “Maybe they need more time after leaving service to understand the significance and the camaraderie. But I hope they do—because these organizations serve a real purpose.”
Art and Youth Involvement Add Depth
A special moment came with the unveiling of a painting titled Purple Heart, created by an 83-year-old veteran artist who now resides in California. The work is now part of the VA’s permanent collection.
“We’re delighted that Purple Heart has found a permanent home here,” said one of the presenters. “It’s a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by so many.”
The event also featured youth volunteers, including one young man who distributed blankets to older veterans during the ceremony. This effort is part of a summer youth program the Salem VA started a few years ago for volunteers aged 14 and up.
“It’s really meaningful to have younger generations participating in events like this,” said Stackhouse. “It shows that remembrance and respect aren’t limited by age.”
A Prayer for Peace
The ceremony also included a powerful interfaith prayer led by Chaplain Andrew Chappell of the United Methodist Church.
“We thank you for all those who paid the ultimate price with the blood of their lives,” Chappell prayed. “May we never forget those who paid it all… Grant us peace. Teach us peace. Make us instruments of your peace.”
Looking Ahead
Though this was the first Memorial Day collaboration between the Salem VA and the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council, the organizations expressed a strong interest in continuing the partnership.
“I believe this will become a tradition,” said Stackhouse. “We saw how much it meant to our veterans, to the families, and to the community. It’s something we want to grow.”
As the celebration came to an end, one veteran remarked with a smile, “We’re soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. A little rain doesn’t stop us.”
