Parksley holds Annual Memorial Day Celebration

By Ava Canade

The town of Parksley hosted its annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Jerry Burkhead War Memorial in Parksley Town Square at 10 A.M. on May 26th, 2025.

The memorial event featured local elected officials including Mayor Frank Russell, clergy members from Parksley and the surrounding area, and David Burkhead, the nephew of Jerry Burkhead. The Arcadia and Nandua High School Navy JROTC troupes and American Legion Post 100 attended the event as well.

The keynote speaker for the event was retired Captain Alan Oshirak, who was a Navy SEAL for 30 years and now runs his own successful security business. His speech focused on how the holiday belongs to soldiers killed, missing, and wounded in service of their country since the minutemen of the American Revolution. He also added that for civilians, it is important to do our part in order to encourage those fighting overseas.

“Many of you thank me for my service… to those who ask, what can I do? I say, make yourself worth fighting for, make your town and country better,” he said. “Contribute what you can.”

Along with speeches about the importance of Memorial Day and supporting our troops, clergymen from Parksley and the surrounding area led prayers for active soldiers and for veterans. Jamie LeCates-Brown, Veterans Services Representative for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, spoke about the services the VA offers and encouraged veterans to speak to her about their benefits.

David Burkhead spoke about the life of Jerry Burkhead during the event. He discussed how Jerry grew up nearby in Lee Mont and graduated from Parksley High School before going to boot camp and being stationed in California. He soon volunteered to go to Vietnam. He was killed on February 8th, 1968. Burkehead emphasized how Jerry had been a part of the Parksley community.

“Jerry Burkhead had a good childhood,” Burkhead said. “He grew up in a big loving family on a farm, he was popular, good looking, and had a lot going for him. Jerry drove and walked these streets of Parksley.”

Mayor Frank Russell added that we should always remember the commitment that veterans from the Eastern Shore have made to protect their community and country.

“I want people to remember all the men and women from the Eastern Shore that have lost their lives and given so much for their country,” he said.