A salute is given during the 21-gun salute on Monday, May 28, 2012, at the Memorial Day program at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.Hundreds gathered today at the Chattanooga National Cemetery to honor those who have served in the nation's military ranks.
The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council hosted a ceremony under the high noon sun that included groups from American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus and Gold Star mothers and wives.
The ceremony included a benediction, a 21-gun salute, a rendition of "God Bless America" and remarks from several speakers.
The keynote address highlighted the role of women in U.S. military operations.
There are currently more than 200,000 women in the military and 1.7 million female veterans, said Rosetta Fisher-Oliver, chief of voluntary services for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.
"Military men and women continue to fight and sacrifice their lives for us," she said.