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Memphians pay respects to fallen service members for Memorial Day

"It's easy to forget the sacrifices that were paid for on our behalf so that we can have the freedoms that we have," cemetery director Thomas Maynard said.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While Memorial Day weekend signifies the start to summer for some, but others around the Mid-South spent the holiday weekend honoring those who lost their lives during military service. 

Monday, more than 150 people gathered at the West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery on Forrest Hill-Irene Road in Southeast Shelby County. 

Among them, retired and active-duty military members witnessed a 21-gun salute, and a performance from the Bartlett Community Band.

"It's just more than a three day weekend, we honor and celebrate those who have given their life for our freedom and it's important to show that we as service members should honor those and we strive to give this country the freedom they deserve," Army Specialist Sarah Rodriguez said.

Volunteers spent the weekend planting dozens of American flags on the graves there.

On Sunday afternoon Memphis-area veterans paid tribute to service members who lost their lives at the Memphis National Cemetery.

The annual event was organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs Memphis. The event included speakers from VFW (veterans of foreign wars) posts from around the Mid-South.

These speakers highlighted the enduring achievement and sacrifice of the nation's fallen. Speakers during the service also remembered those who previously served and passed away as well as those who did not get a joyous homecoming for their service.

"Having a ceremony like this is extremely important because if you don't acknowledge it, it's easy to forget the sacrifices that were paid for on our behalf so that we can have the freedoms that we have: speech, religion, the ability to gather together, the ability to celebrate," cemetery director Thomas Maynard said.

The VA operates 155 national cemeteries in 44 states, including the one in Memphis. It also assists in providing headstones, markers and medallions for the fallen.

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