JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who died for our country.
Saturday at the Jacksonville National Cemetery over 9,000 of those people were honored during the annual flag-placement program.
"The greatest loss that we had was not only the Civil War but Vietnam with over 500,000 casualties what a great loss during that. And we're losing people today," Navy Vet Massey Charles said.
"A lot of people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. I don't want you to tell me thank you on Memorial Day. I'm still here. I still have a job to do. Memorial Day is about those who've fought and died for this country. Those who have given their all, sacrifice, their families. It's cool to get a discount here and there but that's not really what it's all about. It's about us giving back," Navy member Nikia Hester said.
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It's a day to honor those who went before us and sacrificed so much for our freedom.
"Personally for me I can't explain it. My husband really wanted to be one of the first ones buried out here. That's been six years ago so they've really done a lot out here in that amount of time. Incredible very proud of our city for this," Darlene Ragan said.
Scouts, family members, veterans groups, volunteers and family members are taking a few minutes of their time this morning to place flags on the graves of veterans at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on this Memorial Day weekend.
Hundreds of people came out to place a flag in front of the thousands of tombstones of veterans and those who died in war.
"Support the veterans that served our country and to give them our blessing for everything they did to protect us when they were around and celebrate their life as well," Tiffany Rife said.
Memorial Day is Monday. The holiday was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead.
"I had a lot of friends that I lost over the years and some lost in combat. It is just such a special day. Memorial Day, people in uniform are rarely recognized so this day is so special to honor the men and women. Those who chose to take that special walk in life right than any other type of job not for the money so they can protect all of those who live in this great country," said Al Richburg, cemetery director.