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Photos for Headline Surfer by Jeanette DiCara / Veterans and citizens pray during Memorial Day services at the Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery.

EDGEWATER -- The air was hot and breezy and the expected rain held off as a tent filled with 100 or so patriotic people enjoyed the Memorial Day ceremony at the Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery ceremony on U.S. 1 with American Legion Post 285 Cmdr. Wallace Ferreira serving as the master of ceremonies.

OAK HILL -- The message I have today is short and sweet and to the point: Let's hope everyone here in Oak Hill and throughout Volusia County will take a moment or two this Memorial Day to remember and give thanks for those who sacrificed their lives so that we live in a free country where we can worship, speak and behave as a free society.

New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner and Volusia County candidate Jim Hathaway and City Manager Pam Brangaccio were among notable public figures absent from the Memorial Day ceremony at Riverside Park that drew several hundred people.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Mayor Adam Barringer was in attendance at the Memorial Day service put on by the VFW, as was City Commissioners Jack Grasty and Judy Reiker. So too was Fire Chief Dave McCallister and Assistant City Manager Khalid Resheidat.

Among the no-shows were City Commissioner and Volusia County candidate Jim Hathaway, City Manager Pam Brangaccio, City Commissioner Lynne Plaskett and Police Chief Ron Pagano. Also not in attendance were Hathaway's heir apparent on the city commission in Jason McGuirk and Steve Casserly, who is seeking the seat held by Plaskett who has not said whether she's running again.

YouTube video download / Shown below, Berlin flyover after World War II - a terrible sight. Here is a screenshot of the utter devastation as shown from the flyover.

Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember all who fought and gave their lives for to Keep America free: From the day the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock to George Washington crossing the Delaware to attack the British fighting for our independence and all of the wars that followed.

To remember all the men and women who have served to keep America free and preserving our way of life: From the Alamo, to the Civil War, to World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.

By State Rep. DOROTHY L. HUKILL

Hukill's House, exclusive blog for Headline Surfer

PORT ORANGE -- In our busy lives, it can be difficult for us to step back and take stock of what’s really important. Our day-to-day concerns often override what truly matters. Despite these obstacles, I hope you’ll join me this Memorial Day in thinking of our nation’s many heroes and honoring their sacrifices.

My father, who earned a Purple Heart as an infantryman in Europe during World War II, was fortunate to safely return home to tend to his injuries.

But in that war, and in others throughout our nation’s history, many brave Americans made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. That is why we have set aside a day of public remembrance in their honor.

Memorial Day was originally celebrated after the Civil War to recognize union soldiers who had been killed in action, but it rightfully now recognizes all Americans who have died while wearing the uniform of our nation’s armed services.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Headline Surfer has been looking for a cover girl to blend into our masthead and we found her: Meet Marina Canova, 19, of Gainesville.

She was taking in the waves on this stormy Sunday afternoon when we caught up with her on New Smyrna Beach.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Subtropical Storm Beryl is dumping lots of rain along from Florida coastline on this Sunday afternoon.

Volusia County Emergency Management officials are in constant contact with the National Weather Service out of Melbourne for the latest on Beryl. As of 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the forecast track showed Beryl making landfall in northeast Florida late Sunday. with 45 mph winds and moderate rain fall. The possibility exists for Volusia County to experience 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 45 mph., county spokeswoman Joanne Magley said.