SAN FRANCISCO – Monday marked Memorial Day and veterans, their households, and political leaders took a second to acknowledge those that’ve made the final word sacrifice in service to their nation.

For a lot of at the moment was a solemn day of remembrance. KTVU spoke with veterans who knew among the heroes who gave their lives for his or her nation.

They stated the day is a vital day to recollect those that gave their final measure for all of us.

Amid a sea of crimson white and blue, row after row of headstones mark the ultimate resting place for individuals who served their nation.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Richard Cunningham misplaced buddies and comrades as he served within the Marines from the Viet Nam period to the mid 1990’s.

“It is actual essential for me and I do it as simply recognition of the fellows I served with folks I served with in Viet Nam,” stated Cunningham.

With a Coast Guard helicopter flyover, the primary stay Memorial Day remembrance to be carried out in particular person on the San Francisco Nationwide Cemetery since COVID occurred in San Francisco.

Speaker of the Home Nancy Pelosi thanked those that served, and people who gave their lives for his or her nation. Saying their sacrifice ought to function motivation to return collectively in divided occasions. 

“Let’s hope that in praising our veterans we’re unifying too,” stated Pelosi.

The mom of a fallen service man positioned a wreath to mark the day. Senator Alex Padilla honoring his sacrifice and so many others; in addition to the recognizing the ache for these left behind.

“I might like for all of us to take a second to honor and thank the Gold Star households which can be right here at the moment for his or her love, their help and their sacrifice,” stated Sen. Padilla.

Veterans like retired Main Invoice Jang from the Marines stated, stated through the years Memorial Day has change into a vacation like many others; merely a time off of faculty or work. 

He says the phrase “Joyful Memorial Day,” misses the purpose.

“For us veterans it isn’t that a lot comfortable, as a result of we have now buddies and we all know of those who handed away, or given the final word sacrifice for this nation and for our liberties and freedom,” stated Jang.

These gathered at the moment agree that those that gave their lives are owed a debt that may by no means be repaid, so it is vital that those that are nonetheless residing honor that sacrifice.