Hundreds of people packed the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery today to honor those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Sunday was the 31st annual Memorial Day service, and it’s a day most are remembering all over the country.
But for people in Indiantown Gap this ceremony is a way to memorialize those closest to home.
“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers,” says Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas M. Taylor, who quoted John F. Kennedy to begin his speech.
Tears fell as many remember the lives lost …as well as those who survived.
“I was in England, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland,” says World War II veteran, Henry Smith.
Smith comes every year to remember friends and family. He says his service was nothing special.
“I just did what was necessary that’s all,” says Smith.
His son, Nelson Smith says Henry is just being humble. The two come out almost every year.
“It means a lot to come out and honor the service people who have given their all for our way of life,” says Nelson Smith.
For Peg Griffe, it’s her first time at the ceremony.
“I come up often to be at my husbands grave, so do my children and grand children but I’ve never been here to a memorial service and I wanted to come,” says Griffe.
She says her husband would be happy she finally paid tribute.
“I think he would be very pleased.” says Griffe.
People who were with a veteran or remembering one say it’s especially moving to meet people who just come to pay tribute to no one in particular.
And, veterans say those are the people who mean the most to them.