It's the one day set aside each year to remember those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
"This is the day when we remember our fallen heroes," said David Nueslein, Post Commander for American Legion Post 186 in Little River.
But Nueslein and other veterans who attended Memorial Day services on the Grand Strand Monday pointed out that it's also important to remember the spouses and families of those who served. They made sacrifices, too, Nueslein said.
"The immediate family members, who are going through some tough times, especially with the National Guard and Reserve," said Dennis Hutton, Post Commander of VFW Post 10804 in Little River. "A lot of them on their fourth and fifth rotation over there in Iraq. Families are left behind and we're here to support the families also."
Hundreds attended a Memorial Day service at the North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens, organized by the two Little River veterans groups. The Marine Corps League's Carolina Borders Detachment performed a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. U.S. Army Capt. (retired) Katherine Jennerette was the guest speaker.
Also Monday, the City of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand Patriotic Alliance presented their annual Memorial Day ceremony on the plaza at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Roger Pilcher, president of the Grand Strand chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, was among those who were there to hear the patriotic music and remarks by local elected officials.
Pilcher, a Vietnam veteran, said Memorial Day is when he remembers those friends who flew off to war and didn't come back, the soldiers who went off on convoys and didn't return.
"But you also think about the sacrifice that everyone back here made," Pilcher said. "I think the families by far are unrecognized for the sacrifice they made."
Pilcher said veterans and active duty service members need the support of all Americans.
"Thank God that now I think we have that in the United States. And when I went over for Vietnam and came back we didn't have it," he said.
