Hundreds in the metro came together at the Omaha National Cemetery on Schram Road to remember the fallen during it's first ever Memorial Day ceremony.
Monday's ceremony shifted the focus back to the true meaning of Memorial Day - to honor the patriotism and commitment of those who died defending our country.
"Today out here proves that we're not forgotten," Grant Brollier, a Vietnam veteran, said.
A moving show of remembrance including a wreath laying ceremony and guest speakers including Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Papillion Mayor David Black and Chief Master Sargeant Patrick F. McMahon of U.S. Strategic Command.
"Because we are blessed to stand on the shoulders of giants," CMSgt Patrick McMahon, Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Strategic Command said. "The generations of Americans who came before us through trials tests and tribulations."
"I served time in Vietnam and there was a time when we weren't so well received as we are now today. When we came home from Vietnam - it's really enlightening to see that people do understand what all we did," Brollier added.
All in attendance reflecting on the meaning of true service.
And a reminder that freedom is not free..
"Taps always gets me right here in the heart. That's probably the biggest thing," veteran Dick Purdum said.
"As colonel Purdum said, when TAPS plays that gets to me," Brollier added.
