Barbecuing. Time spent with family and friends. Stretching out in the grass and bouncing to the music.
These are the little things made possible through huge sacrifices.
“Freedom is because someone else died. So that’s tough to think of, but very real,” says John Fetzer, whose father was a veteran.
Some who observe Memorial Day understand the reality of what it means to serve.
“I have seven brothers and we all served in the military so it’s pretty important for me,’ says Army veteran, Stan Lyson.
Others have family members who have completed tours of duty.
“He has fought for his country and will do anything his friends, family, brothers or sisters. So it means a lot to me and myself to come out and support him,” says Sherri Hamers, whose husband completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Williston Memorial Day service was held at Riverview Cemetery, where Williams County veterans lie side by side with those they fought to serve and protect.
“What’s great to see is all these young kids, many who don’t remember any of these things. Except for history books. It’s neat to see them hang around some of these guys and girls who have fought. And hear those stories. You can’t lose history,” says Fetzer.
The day serves as a reminder that those who are gone are not forgotten. And that even life’s little moments shouldn’t be taken for granted.
