The Town of Waxhaw gathered Monday morning, May 25, 2026, at the Military Wall of Honor on East North Main Street for its annual Memorial Day ceremony, marking the occasion with music, prayer, a rifle volley salute, and a keynote address that drew on firsthand experience from the frontlines of service.

Rain fell off and on throughout the outdoor ceremony, at times coming down hard, but the crowd of residents, veterans, and community members held their ground.

Mayor Robert Murray opened the ceremony thanking attendees for making time on the holiday. "This is one of the things that makes Waxhaw so very special," Murray said, noting the town's tradition of well-attended civic events.

The Parkwood Air Force JROTC presented the colors, followed by the national anthem performed by the Cuthbertson High School Chorus. Scouting America Troop 53 led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Chris Whitaker of Waxhaw Baptist Church delivered the invocation, offering prayer for the families of those lost in service. Bagpiper Jimmy Brennan then led the recognition of veterans by military branch, playing each branch's theme song as those who served stood and were acknowledged by the crowd. 

The keynote address was delivered by retired Navy chaplain Lieutenant Commander Greg DeMarco, a Waxhaw resident who served from 1972 to 1998 and worked in support of the Navy SEALs. DeMarco spoke directly from experience, recounting his role notifying families of SEALs killed during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Eight SEALs were lost at Paitilla Airfield, including a personal friend and fellow deep sea diver.

"When people go to war, you don't go for God, apple pie, and the girl you left behind," DeMarco told the crowd. "You're fighting for that person right next to you in the trench. These acts of valor are born out of love."

DeMarco also extended recognition to law enforcement officers and first responders, drawing a parallel to the daily risks military personnel face in combat.

Mayor Murray highlighted the town's POW/MIA table display and acknowledged the memorial's significance to Gold Star families, many of whom helped place tiles on the Wall of Honor monument. American Legion Post 208 performed a three-round volley salute followed by the playing of taps.

Murray closed with a call to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m., inviting residents to pause and reflect. "The greatest casualty of war," he said, "is to be forgotten."