Veterans and city leaders commemorated Memorial Day at Worcester's Hope Cemetery Monday.

While honoring the men and women who gave their lives for the country, the city also hosted a graveside service for Pvt. William Shepard.

He was the sole African American service member from Worcester who was lost during active duty in World War I. 

Pvt. Shepard was born in Worcester and enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard when he was 18.

He was transferred to Company M of the segregated 372nd Infantry Regiment of the 93rd Division.

In January 1918, he transferred to Company K in the same division.

Pvt. Shepard died in action in 1918.

City Manager Ed Augustus said, "Like so many Black soldiers that fell before him, and the many more killed in action after him, Private Shephard had a different skin color than some of his fellow soldiers, but he spilled the same color blood. He died fighting for the same ideals and causes, defending freedom and liberty. We owe it to him and all our veterans to honor their sacrifices and remember them always."

Pvt. Shepard was initially buried in Europe before being buried in Worcester's Hope Cemetery three years later.

Flowers were placed on his grave Monday. 

As part of the ceremony, two Gold Star Mothers also placed wreaths next to a Civil War monument.