Hundreds gathered across San Diego County Monday to honor members of the armed service that made the ultimate sacrifice.
At Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, some 2,000 people attended ceremonies to honor the fallen.
A ceremony at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial featured a dedication plaque honoring First Lt.Nathan Krissoff.
The Marine died in an explosion near Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. After his death near Fallujah his father, a doctor, then joined the service.
Major General Larry Nicholson the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, said he had nothing but the deepest respect for service members post 9-11 and all service members.
“What I have seen the over the last 12 to 13 years is a kind of an emergence of the second greatest generation young men and women that needed need to go into the Marine Corps or the Service," said Nicholson. "Nate Krissoff is a good example.”
They did not need the military, Nicholson said, the military needed them.
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At Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, hundreds gathered for the inspiring ceremony under a light drizzle.
Wreaths were presented at a symbolic Tomb of the Unknown. During the ceremony, Gold Star families sat in the front row and were presented with flags.
Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard in San Diego, Capt. John Spaner spoke about remembering those in the military who have bravely responded to the call.
Manny Martinez’s son Michael was among them. Michael died while in combat in Iraq when he was in the Army.
“I think it is really important that we don't forget about all these soldiers," Martinez said. "Not only Michael. They gave up their lives for our freedoms that we have."
People continued to pay tribute throughout the day at both locations until sunset on Memorial Day.
