EDINA, Mo. (WGEM) - A Memorial Day Service was hosted by the American Legion in Edina, Missouri, Monday morning at the Knox County Community Center.
Members of VFW and American Legion branches placed flowers during the ceremony for those that died while serving.
Missouri 4th District State Representative candidate Keith Gudehus was the featured speaker and spoke of the importance of remembering those that have died protecting our freedom.
"Recognizing their loss and the loss of their families, and also to recognize the fact that they don't want us to just spend this entire day mourning them, but it should also be a celebration of what they did for us and for our freedoms here in the United States," said Gudehus.
Several Gold Star family members were also in attendance.
Gold Star families are immediate family members of service members that died while serving in the military.
"My son, Sgt. Jason Vaughn was killed in Iraq on May the 10th, 2007," said RaNae Vaughn, a Gold Star family member. "He was driving a striker vehicle, and he was on his way to help some guys that were on a rooftop that had been attacked, and they needed some help getting out of that situation. Unfortunately, he ran over an IED and he was killed instantly."
"Really, a symbol of our appreciation, not only for what their sons did for our country, but also for what their families have endured and try not to dwell too much on the loss of their loved ones, but focus more on the celebration of their lives and what they gave for their country," said Gudehus.
There was also a 21 Gun Salute and the playing of Taps at the ceremony.
"We're proud of his service to our country and we just get through day by day, some days are worse than others, Memorial Day unfortunately is really hard for me and I'm sure for the rest of my family as well, but it is a day of remembrance for our military men and women," said Vaughn.