The historic cemetery on Ferry Avenue and Charles Street is the final resting place of eight African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. They honored pioneer George Hardy, who died last year. He was one of the last surviving Tuskegee airmen.
One by one, participants read the names of every service member buried there as part of the observance.
Established in the 1800s by Dempsey Daniel Butler, the site is considered the city's most historic African American cemetery, according to organizers. The ceremony included veterans from nearly every branch of the military, many of whom return year after year to pay their respects.
"Those are the people who are buried here. Some gave all, all gave some," said Reverend Floyd White, a lieutenant colonel who served in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserve.
White also said the legacy of those buried at Butler Cemetery continues to inspire him.
"I'm inspired by being here. I understand because of these men who are buried here, I had the opportunity to serve and climb my way up to a lieutenant colonel," he said.
White also reflected on the significance of the site as a reminder of the contributions of Black soldiers in American history.
"You start looking at the tombstones, and you go, wow, Civil War soldiers, and United States colored troops, and the regiments."
For many veterans, the ceremony is a way to recognize those who came before them and made their own service possible.
"It means a lot for guys that have served so we could serve," said Milton Florence, a sergeant who served 10 years in the Marine Corps.
This year's event carried deeper meaning for some attendees. Jeretha Prather, a sergeant first class in the Army with 27 years of service, said her connection to the ceremony has grown over time.
"This has so much more meaning for me, it has so much more meaning for me today than it did the first time I came out. To see this history here."
Prather added that honoring the site goes beyond attending the annual event.
"We help clean up. Put wreaths or flags down. I always come. This year, it has a special place in my heart."
Organizers said they will return later in the year to rotate the flags for Veterans Day, continuing a tradition of remembrance at the historic cemetery.