A first of its kind event took place in Northern Kentucky this Memorial Day.
Veterans from across the Tri-State were honored at the new Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown.
Major General Edward Tonini, the Adjutant General for the Kentucky National Guard, was the guest speaker at the event.
Family members of veterans recently interred at the cemetery placed a wreath in front of a flag representing each of the armed services
Sgt. Daniel Wallace of Dry Ridge is the first soldier killed in action to be buried at the cemetery.
Karen and Kenneth Wallace of Dry Ridge spent Memorial Day visiting the gravesite of their son, Daniel.
The decorated Army Sergeant was killed during an ambush in Afghanistan last October.
"He always said mom if I die over there I want to be buried in the veterans cemetery," said Karen Wallace. "He either wanted here or Arlington and I'd rather have him here."
The Wallace family joined dozens of others for the first Memorial Day service since the cemetery opened in August.
Escorted by members of the Grant County ROTC, family members of veterans buried at the cemetery placed a wreath next to each flag representing the armed services.
"They indicated to me there are now 98 people interred here and that's over a very short period of time. So this was a very needed facility and as time goes by it will become even more meaningful as it fills up," said Tonini.
For the Wallaces, it's about paying tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by their son for his country and visiting the very spot where he wanted to rest in peace.
"I knew he wanted to be here. If he could look down he would be very proud he's in here. Very proud," said Wallace.
Sgt. Daniel Wallace was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
He received a new honor over the weekend.
A room at the federal building in Louisville was dedicated in his name.
