ABBEVILLE, La (KLFY) – Singing, dedications, and the laying of wreaths is how the city of Abbeville observed this special day.

The Abbeville Garden Club was joined by several residents and state dignitaries as they honored those men and women who served in the armed forces.

The highlight of the Memorial Day service was the unveiling and dedication of 2 blue star and 1 gold star memorial markers.

“This is the first year that they were installed,” said Karen Hoyt with the Abbeville Garden Club.

“It’s a very special project that was started in 1945 to honor all the military who were serving and had served,” said Mary Hazen with the Louisiana Garden Club.

Hoyt says they decided to do the markers as a way to give back to the community and show their appreciation.

The markers were placed at a memorial site near the courthouse, The Louisiana Hall of Fame and Military Museum, and the local armory headquarters.

Louisiana Secretary of State, Tom Schedler, was among the special guests invited to take part in the ceremony, which he says was quite an honor.

“Everybody should take just a brief period of time at a function like this across this country to just remember those souls,” said Schedler.

“To be here and celebrate their service and provide that respect to them and their families is an overwhelming feeling,” said Barry Keeling, Assistant Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard.

Many guests say it was just truly a great tribute done by the Abbeville Garden Club.

“We love our military and we respect and have deep appreciation for what they do for our country,” said Hoyt.

Hoyt says it was about a nine month process to get approved for the markers and to plan where they would place them.