ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore and the Moore-Miller Administration today honored veterans, service members and their families' sacrifice with Memorial Day observances across the state.
“Memorial Day is a time to balm the wounds that never fully heal. This is a chance to remember not what took the lives of the fallen, but what gave them life: a love of service; a love of country; a knowledge that we are a nation worth fighting for,”
said Gov. Moore. “Some passed recently. Some passed long ago. But all offer lessons about what it means to be a true American patriot. They remind us what courage looks like, and their legacy endures in every Marylander who serves.”
Governor Moore began the day with a roundtable discussion at
Platoon 22 in Frederick, Maryland. Platoon 22 is a nonprofit veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide by fostering meaningful connections and comprehensive support for veterans and military families.
The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families provides in-person support in Frederick to veterans, dependents, and survivors through shared space in Platoon 22’s veteran services center. In Fiscal Year 2025 to date, the site has filed 685 VA claims and generated $4,461,589 in monetary benefits for veterans, dependents, and survivors.
Following the roundtable discussion, Governor Moore designated United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Mike Bowers as Maryland Veterans Commission Chair.
A 30-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Bowers began his military career as an enlisted Marine who rose to the rank of officer, ultimately commanding more than 10,000 Marines in combat, joint, and training environments including tours in Ramadi and Fallujah during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bowers currently represents Western Maryland on the Veterans Commission. He also served on the Maryland Global War on Terrorism Memorial Commission. Bowers’s appointment is effective July 1.
Governor Moore then traveled to Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery to join veterans, military families, and elected leaders for a community commemoration to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. After the ceremony, the governor laid a wreath at the gravesite of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Robert W. Hartsock. Staff Sergeant Hartsock served from 1967 to 1969 as a member of the 44th Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog), 25th Infantry Division, during the Vietnam War.
On February 23, 1969, during a surprise attack on Dầu Tiếng Base Camp, Staff Sergeant Hartsock identified an infiltrating sapper squad. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he engaged the enemy, throwing himself upon a satchel charge and absorbing the blast to protect others. Gravely wounded, he continued to fire, enabling his commander to reach safety. He died from his injuries but prevented more loss of life.
Staff Sergeant Hartsock posthumously received the Medal of Honor for gallantry and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action.
"Honoring our military heroes is not just a tradition—it's a solemn responsibility,"
said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Acting Secretary Ross Cohen. "These observances reflect our unwavering gratitude for those who gave everything in service to our nation and reaffirm our commitment to supporting veterans and their families every day."
To end the day, Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller hosted Maryland
Gold Star Mothers and
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors families at Camden Yards.
The Maryland Gold Star Mothers chapter represents the National American Gold Star Mothers organization, whose mission keeps the memory of their sons and daughters alive by helping veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families and the community.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, known as TAPS, is a national nonprofit organization that provides compassionate care and comprehensive resources to those who are grieving a death in the military or veteran community, nationally and worldwide.
“Gold Star mothers gave the world their bravest sons and daughters—and now carry love and loss every single day,”
said Lt. Governor Miller. “Their strength is unshakable, their stories live on, and their sacrifice is held in the heart of a grateful nation.”
To view a list of Memorial Day events that took place across Maryland, visit
veterans.maryland.gov.