Stars & Stripes Virtual Ceremony

Memorial Day 2020
Memorial Day

May 25th, 2020 CHESAPEAKE BEACH, MD: The Mayor and Town Council, of the Town of Chesapeake Beach, host a virtual Memorial Day ceremony in honor of our fallen heroes, and their families and loved ones, that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

Virtual Ceremony

During the ceremony Mayor Patrick "Irish" Mahoney unveils SSG Christopher W. Swanson Way at the Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial Park in honor of our local fallen hero, SSG Christopher W. Swanson

SSG Swanson

Pictured SSG Christopher W. Swanson

SSG Christopher W. Swanson, a brother, uncle, son and a lifelong resident of the State of Maryland, grew up in Southern Maryland and the Twin Beaches. Chris was tragically killed in action while serving his third tour in Iraq. Chris loved his slice of paradise here along the Chesapeake Bay and his family is proud to see his name along the bay front of the Veterans Memorial Park. 

On July 22, 2006, Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Swanson was killed by sniper fire while leading his squad during a combat patrol in Ramadi, Iraq. He believed in his mission and loved leading his men. Just ten days before Chris was killed by a sniper, he was injured by an IED and required 20 staples to his leg. Chris could have used this injury to go on a medical R&R but chose to stay and be there for his men. This shows the character of all that is good with those who put others above self. Upon returning home on leave after deployments the first thing SSG Christopher Swanson would do is head to Walter Reed to check on his injured soldiers. Chris, who was born and raised in Maryland, devoted his whole life to service. As a kid, Chris began helping others on mission trips across the U.S. as well as other volunteer activities through his church. After graduating from high school, Chris was offered a prestigious appointment to West Point Military College, but instead he turned this appointment down because he wanted to serve his country immediately. Chris enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he was on the initial assault to Iraq. On his third deployment to Iraq, as he was serving our country, Chris was killed in action.

"For those that fight for it, freedom has a taste that those protected will never know. The high price of freedom is a cost paid by a brave few"  SSG Christopher W. Swanson KIA 07/22/06 IRAQ

The 2020 National Memorial Day Celebration