HOUSTON – A ceremony was held Monday morning at the Houston National Cemetery to mark the observance of Memorial Day.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, the holiday is meant to honor U.S. military members who have died in service to their country.
Monday’s ceremony in Houston was organized by the National Cemetery Administration.
All across the city, Texans went to pay their respects to those who answered the call to serve, but never made it home.
Laura Garcia said it is a gratitude that can be difficult to convey.
"They are not forgotten, we remember what they did for us," Garcia said. “They are always heroes."
Dignitaries, active service men and women and Houstonians attended the ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery on Monday morning. Mayor Sylvester Turner said it was a chance to pause and reflect on the meaning of the day.
"We must stop for a moment to acknowledge our heroes that are buried in this hallowed ground. We must remember their actions and find within us the gratitude for all of them," Turner said.
The stars and stripes were proudly on display at a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony in Sugar Land.
Abigail Ortiz said it was a way to pay respect to her heroes.
“I wanted to be here to honor all of the fallen soldiers who fought protecting this country," Ortiz said.