BOISE, Idaho — People have been paying their respects and remembering the sacrifices paid by our military this Memorial Day.
Originally known as Decoration Day which originated in years following the civil war, Memorial Day has been a federal holiday since the early 1970s. The holiday is meant to remember the fallen military members in our armed forces.
Events around the Treasure Valley to remember and honor these service members who gave their lives for their country. One of them was at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery.
The main takeaway from the event is that freedom isn't free. The ceremony got started with a flyover tribute. Each branch of service was honored with a wreath laying ceremony. Members of veteran and civic organizations placed a wreath in front of the hundreds who gathered and saluted to what they paid for our freedom.
Several speakers attended the event, including U.S Republican Representative Russ Fulcher. He spoke about what is within each man and woman who chooses to serve their nation.
“It has to do with faith, faith in family. Faith in country. Faith in the power of freedom, faith in our creator,” Fulcher said.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, and Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin wanted to remind everyone this isn't just any happy holiday, but rather a day to honor those who have died.
A ceremony held in Nampa at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery. The event was started with bagpipes, followed by the placement of flags around the gravesite of “The Unknown.”
Nampa mayor, Debbie Kling, said the day isn't all about that but rather, remembering those who have given their lives, so we can be free.
Nampa Memorial Day Ceremony 2019
"It is important that the next generation fully understands we live in a free country and it's because of the sacrifice, it's the vision and dedication and sacrifice of lives why we get to enjoy the benefits we do in the nation we live in today,” Kling said.
The keynote speaker was retired Lieutenant Colonel Bobby Sanchez. He talked about remembering those who did serve, those who have served, and the families of the service members.
Another Memorial Day event was held in Meridian. This ceremony was held at the Rock of Honor in Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park.
WATCH BELOW: Meridian's fallen soldiers honored on Memorial Day at Julius M. Kleiner Park
Dozens gathered there to pay tribute to the veterans who have given their lives for the country. A big part of this ceremony was also about Gold Star families, who are family members of a service member who died in battle.
Following the speakers, there was a wreath laying ceremony to honor the fallen.
“Today is very emotional, my dad served in the military and has passed away,” Tammy Klement, the vice commander of the VFW post in Meridian, said. "I am proud to be an American. It touches my heart, I love veterans and I love our military."
Each name of the fallen service members from meridian were read aloud by a meridian boy scout troop. Following that, there was the 21 gun salute and then taps were played.
WATCH BELOW: Idaho Civil War Volunteers gather at Fort Boise to honor those who died in the Civil War
