Memorial Day in the Gardens
Veterans of the Sandhills
Memorial Day in the Gardens honors the service, sacrifice, and experiences of local
veterans through a series of featured stories presented in the Memorial Day gazebo
at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Visitors are invited to explore photographs,
biographies, and personal reflections that highlight the lives and military service
of these individuals while connecting remembrance with the peaceful setting of the
gardens.
Inside the gazebo, photographs of each veteran are paired with QR codes linking visitors to extended stories and video interviews. These videos provide a deeper look into each veteran’s experiences, service, and connection to the community.
Featured Veterans
Donald Woodfield
U.S. Air Force | 1960-1968
Rank - Staff Sergeant
Conflict / Era - Vietnam
b. November 24, 1941 | d. September 3, 2023
Allen Ashdown Sr.
U.S. Navy | 1950-1982
Rank - Chief Warrant Officer
Conflict / Era - Cold War
b. August 30, 1931 | d. March 1, 2024
Gary Gordon
U.S. Army | 1978-1993
Rank - Master Sergeant
Conflict / Era - Somalia
b. August 30, 1960 | d. October 3, 1993
Service Notes: Died by enemy fire in Mogadishu, Somalia
Justin Marquez
U.S. Army | 2009-2012
Rank - Staff Sergeant
Conflict / Era - Afghanistan
b. August 30, 1960 | d. October 3, 1993
Service Notes: Died by enemy fire in Chak District, Wardak Province, Afghanistan.
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. — Joseph Campbell