If there's one thing northern Nevadans love, it's their veterans.
Hundreds of people packed the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Ceremony on Monday to remember the fallen.
"Memorial Day just means a time of remembrance, and we should not only remember them today, it should be every day," said Guadalupe Valdez from Reno.
"It's wonderful to see this many people out here. And, you know, we're all here because of all of these men and women. Some of their kids," said Pam Horsley from Fallon.
Grace David comes from a long line of service members and served in the Army herself for four overseas deployments. Her father also was in the Army, for 25 years.
She said the huge crowd is a touching tribute.
"It makes me proud to be part of a country where people take time out of their day, when they could be going on the lakes and whatnot, to go and honor their loved ones and the ones who have passed away," David said.
For some, Memorial Day hits close to home.
Several of Paula Bowman's family members served in the armed forces, including her son who passed away 16 years ago.
"I remember when he was born, when he went to school, when he went off to the service," Bowman said. "He was a very loving, son and a very caring son and he loved being in the Marines."
Will Grundhauser has attended this ceremony for 25 years.
His wife was buried in Fernley over two decades ago, and he said watching the cemetery grow since then has touched him.
"When I first came to this cemetery, it was not as well as well-kept," he said. "It is really beautiful. I'm really proud of the people who take care of it. I'm really happy that the state supports this place."
To commemorate the United States's 250th anniversary, a replica cannon joined the three-volley salute to signify the shot heard 'round the world.
Shortly after, Mary Sedgwick with the Nevada Veterans Coalition played Taps.
"That's really something. You know, it's one of those things that stayed with me all the time. Ever since I saw the Kennedy funeral," said Richard Rand, an Army veteran who served from 1971 to 1976.
A wreath was also placed on the Prisoners of War monument.
Senator Jacky Rosen and Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony gave remarks honoring fallen veterans and their families.
"We gather here on Memorial Day with grateful hearts and solemn reflection to honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice," Anthony said.
"Behind every service member stands a family providing service in their own way, making their own sacrifices and service for our freedom," Rosen said.
U.S. Representative Mark Amodei also attended.
This year's Memorial Day ceremony is just a small token of how much northern Nevada appreciates veterans, especially the ones that put their lives on the line and gave up the ultimate sacrifice.
